The Phillies began adding offseason catching depth by adding a cather on a minor league deal. John Hester, most recently with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, has agreed to join the Phillies on a minor league deal with Spring Training invite, according to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish:
Source: #Phillies sign catcher John Hester to minor league deal with ST invite for next season. Hester elected FA after spending year w/ LAA
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) October 22, 2014
Cotillo seems to have a connection to an agent, which would give him the news prior to major Phillies outlets.
The Phillies were short on catching depth in 2014. With an injury to minor league prospect Tommy Joseph, while simultaneously starter Carlos Ruiz and backup Wil Nieves were injured, the Phillies ended up really thin. Depending on where the Phillies go for a backup catcher in 2015, it is conceivable that Hester has a chance.
Ruiz is heading into the second year of a three-year contract, and Wil Nieves will be hitting free agency. Cameron Rupp could be a candidate to be the Phillies backup catcher in 2015, though Rupp has not demonstrated he is ready for the major leagues with his bat. Once a prospect, Sebastian Valle's future with the club is in doubt. After being designated for assignment last December, Valle re-signed with the Phillies but could move on this offseason.
Hester is 31 years old and a Stanford graduate. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has shown in the past that he likes players from his alma mater. Hester is a career .274 hitter in the minor leagues and a career .216 hitter in parts of four seasons in the major leagues.
