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The New York Mets have agreed to sign catcher Rene Rivera pending a physical, according to Andy Martino. The acquisition comes after the Mets cut Devin Mesoraco and amid speculation relating to Travis d’Arnaud’s health.
Rivera was released by the San Francisco Giants on Saturday. In the last season of his previous stint with the Mets, Rivera appeared in 54 games and hit .230/.278/.391 with eight home runs and 23 RBIs. Last season with the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves, he posted similar stats in 30 games.
Rivera will most likely be the backup catcher to Wilson Ramos to begin the season, as d’Arnaud is expected to be placed on the injury list. Over the course of his major league career, Rivera has hit .233/.275/.353 with a 70 wRC+ in 1,527 plate appearances. His value as a major league catcher has come mostly from his defensive work behind the plate.