Texas Rangers Sign Two Players to Minor-League Deals

Texas Rangers add catching depth by signing two players to minor-league deals. Adding veteran Brett Hayes and inviting him to Spring Training. Then signing 18-year-old catcher Jose Guardo.

Brett Hayes is a veteran to the Major Leagues, and Jose Guardo has yet to play in the minor leagues. The Texas Rangers gave Hayes an invite to Spring Training and he will compete for a backup role on the team.

Hayes has played in parts of seven Major League seasons. Most recently with the Cleveland Indians during the 2015 season. Hayes saw time in Triple-A with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox in 2016.

The 32-year-old veteran catcher hit .188/.257/.292 with one home run and six RBI in 31 games last season. Hayes is a former 2nd round pick of the Florida Marlins from the 2005 amateur draft. He made his Major League debut in 2009 with the Marlins.

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Hayes has MLB experience, but has never played more than 64 games in a single season. Over his seven year career Hayes is hitting .205/.250/.359 with 13 home runs and 37 RBI in 189 games. Those 189 games are split between three different Major League teams.

Not known for his bat, but Hayes get high praise for his defense. The Rangers could use a defense first type catcher, but Hayes will likely just be organization depth. A strong showing in Spring Training could get Hayes on the 40-man roster or even the 25-man roster.

Guardo is a young catcher, but lacks experience. An 18-year-old catcher that could get his first taste in the minor leagues with the Rangers this season. Not much is known about Guardo’s ability, but with such a young catcher anything can happen.

The Rangers will head into Spring Training with four non-roster catchers. Patrick Cantwell, Steven Lerud, Jose Trevino, and now Hayes. All four will look to impress the Rangers this March.