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With the Cincinnati Reds officially announcing the signing of Brayan Pena to a two-year deal on Monday, it seems like Ryan Hanigan's time with the club has come to an end. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the trade market for Hanigan has heated up in the last few days, with as many as ten teams possibly involved.
According to the source, the Rangers and Phillies are expected to be hot in pursuit of Hanigan, along with most other teams looking for a catcher this winter. Buster Olney of ESPN.com tweeted last week that the Rays and Yankees have liked the backstop in the past, so they seem like potential fits as well. Many reports have noted that Hanigan could also be an option for the Red Sox if they are unable to re-sign Jarrod Saltalamacchia or make an addition on the free agent market.
With so much interest at this time, it is almost a guarantee that the Reds will trade Hanigan instead of non-tendering him later in the offseason, according to the source. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com was the first to note that a deal was likely, following reports of the Pena signing last week.
Hanigan, 33, struggled offensively in 2013, hitting .198 with 2 HR and 21 RBI in 75 games while dealing with a wrist injury all season. He is regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in the game, and has posted a career .260 average with 20 HR and 138 RBI in seven major league seasons with Cincinnati.
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