Rays rumors: A.J. Pierzynski a fit for Tampa Bay?

The Tampa Bay Rays are in need of a catcher and additional offense, and free agent backstop A.J. Pierzynski "could be a fit," according to Buster Olney of ESPN:

Tampa Bay needs a catcher and some offense, and A.J. Pierzynski remains unsigned. In some ways, he could be a fit, although rival evaluators don't have good things to say about his defense.

While he’s currently testing the free agent market, one "respected agent" that Olney has spoken with gets the sense that Pierzynski will re-sign with the Chicago White Sox this winter.

However, there are several teams in need of catching help, including the Rays, so he may jump ship for another opportunity.

In 2003, Pierzynski was involved in a trade that sent him from the Minnesota Twins to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Boof Bonser, Francisco Liriano and Joe Nathan. The next season he was released by the Giants and went on the sign with the White Sox.

Pierzynski has since spent eight years with the White Sox, hitting a combined .279/.318/.424. Last season the 35-year-old hit .278/.326/.501 with 18 doubles, four triples and 27 home runs.

Over 15 seasons at the major league level Pierzynski has hit .284/.324/.429.