Rangers Sign Former Phillies Catcher Rupp
When the Phillies released catcher Cameron Rupp, there was a small amount of reported interest. However, it looks like Rupp did not receive any major league deals. Rupp joined a new organization on Tuesday, albeit on a minor league contract.
According to Texas Rangers director of communications John Blake, the Rangers and Rupp have agreed to a minor league deal. Rupp will report to Triple-A Round Rock. The deal puts Rupp near his hometown of Dallas, Texas.
The Phillies and Rupp had agreed to a one-year, $2.05 million deal prior to the season to avoid arbitration. But as an arbitration-eligible player, Rupp's release only puts the Phillies on the hook for 25% of that. Rupp was free to sign any contract he chose after the Phillies granted him his release.
Rupp made his major league debut with the Phillies in 2013 and appeared in 296 games over his five seasons. Rupp batted .234 over that span, but batted a career high .252 when he was the primary catcher in 2016.
Rupp joins an organization that has former Phillies Tommy Joseph, Jake Diekman, Cole Hamels, Eliezar Alvarez and Carlos Tocci.
Speaking of Joseph, the first baseman cleared waivers and has been assigned to Double-A.