The New York Mets announced they have signed veteran catcher Jose Lobaton to a minor deal with an invitation to major league camp.
Lobaton, 33, hit just .170/.248/.277 with three doubles, four home runs and 11 RBI in 51 games for the Washington Nationals in 2017. He has spent parts of the last four seasons with the Nats.
The switch-hitting catcher is known for his strong defense behind the plate but even that slipped in 2017 with -1.9 fielding runs above average. His throwing also suffered in 2017 with only 20% caught stealing, down from 28% in 2016.
Lobaton had his best season in 2013 when he slashed .249/.320/.394 in 100 games for the Tampa Bay Rays.
