Reds Bring Back Familiar Face Behind The Plate

While the Cincinnati Reds watched one former catcher sign on with a division rival, they've gone out and reunited with another of their former backstops.  

Welcome back to the Reds, Curt Casali‼️ pic.twitter.com/mXCUkNs76i

— Votto Still Bangs™ (@EvilJoeyVotto) December 22, 2022

Curt Casali, who spent three seasons with the Reds from 2018-2020, is now back at Great American Ballpark, signing a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2024. 

The 34-year-old backstop spent this past season split between the San Francisco Giants and the Seattle Mariners, batting .203 with a .649 OPS. His three years in Cinci were much more fruitful for the nine-year veteran, as he batted .260 with a .345 on-base and a .785 OPS. He blasted 18 home runs over his 167 games with the Reds.

Casali becomes catcher No. 3 on the Reds' roster, after they signed Luke Maille last month, and have promising youngster Tyler Stephenson as their main man behind the plate. How they'll divvy up the time remains to be seen.

It's the second free agent signing for the Reds on Thursday, as they also brought in a former All-Star first baseman/outfielder. 

Photo: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports