Reds, Navarro Sign 1-year, $800k Minor League Deal

The Cincinnati Reds have signed catcher Dioner Navarro to a 1-year, minor league deal worth $800 thousand with an additional $200 thousand in incentives, according to the team twitter feed and Jon Heyman.

Navarro, nearly 28, is a career .244 / .306 / .353 hitter. He's entering his 9th season after spending time with the Dodgers in 2011 (hitting .193 in 64 games) and most of 5 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Reds already have Devin Mesoraco and Ryan Hanigan holding down the position, so Navarro provides depth and/or some flexibility for the club.

The contract does include an invite to spring training, so perhaps he can show he can hit in the biggs once again (though he really hasn't shown that at all except for brief flashes in 2008 and 2005).

• Twitter / @Reds - "Reds sign C Dioner Navarro to minor league contract with an invitation to Major League spring training camp. Spring roster at 53 players."
• Twitter / @JonHeymanCBS - "Dioner navarro signs with #reds. 800K plus 200K incentives. Minor-league deal."