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ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays’ main priority this offseason is to add multiple big league catchers to the roster, and the club began to address that need on Wednesday, bringing Mike Zunino back on a one-year deal.
Zunino, 29, will get $2 million guaranteed, which is less than half of what the Rays would’ve paid for the veteran catcher had they picked up his $4.5 million club option last month. The Rays also have a club option for 2022 that is worth between $4-7 million depending on playing time, and it includes a $1 million buyout.
Zunino's return allows the Rays to have a veteran catcher that is familiar with the pitching staff. Over the last two seasons, Tampa Bay pitchers have sung Zunino’s praises for his ability to command a pitching staff. During the postseason, Zunino caught each of the Rays’ last 13 games.