The Marlins have re-signed Brian Navarreto to a minor league deal, according to Kevin Barral of Fish On First. This move comes after Navarreto elected minor league free agency following his outright release from the 40-man roster at the start of the offseason. The 31-year-old catcher, a native of Puerto Rico, made his big league debut in a shortened season when the Marlins faced a virus outbreak. He returned to the highest level five years later as a September call-up, accumulating four hits, including a home run, in eight games while spending the final month on the active roster.
Navarreto, a right-handed hitter, boasts a .234/.301/.369 batting line over parts of five Triple-A seasons. He has played for the Minnesota, Yankees, and Milwaukee systems, in addition to his time with Miami. With his return to the Marlins, Navarreto is likely headed back to Triple-A Jacksonville, where he can work alongside prospect Joe Mack at the top minor league level. Mack is expected to be called up relatively early next year, which could provide Navarreto with more playing time in Triple-A. Furthermore, Navarreto is also an option to compete for the backup catcher role if either Liam Hicks or Agustin Ramirez suffers an injury during Spring Training, provided the Marlins choose to keep Mack in the minors for the start of the season.
