2017 Toronto Blue Jays Season Review: Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia had a dismal partial season with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017. Photo Credit: Jay Blue

By Emily @JaysGirlEmily

Blue Jays from Away

Jarrod Saltalamacchia was signed to a minor-league deal in February 2017 with an invitation to Spring Training. He was expected to be the Blue Jays’ backup catcher at the start of the season.

To say he hit poorly would be an understatement. Saltalamacchia got his first hit of the season in his first game (April 7 against the Tampa Bay Rays). He didn’t get a second. He finished April with a batting average of .040 in 25 at-bats, and the Blue Jays designated him for assignment on April 28 before releasing him on May 3.

His lone walk of the season came in his final game, facing the St. Louis Cardinals on April 27. That gave him an OBP of .077, a walk percentage of 3.8%, and with 16 strikeouts, he had a strikeout rate of 61.5%. At one point he struck out in 10 consecutive plate appearances, setting a Blue Jays franchise record.

In 52 innings logged behind the plate, he didn’t have any passed balls. However, he was 0-for-9 in catching base stealers.

After the Blue Jays released Saltalamacchia in May, they then signed him to another minor-league deal two weeks later. He hit .162/.271/.243 with one home run, 17 walks and 51 strikeouts in 111 at-bats in triple-A, before being released for good on June 30.

Contract Status:

Saltalamacchia was released and hasn’t yet signed with another team.

Regular Season Grades:

Jay Blue: F

Emily: F-

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The 2017 Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Handbook is now available! Visit the Handbook page for more information!