Jorge Posada became the second-highest-paid catcher in baseball when he agreed Sunday to a five-year, $51 million contract with the New York Yankees.
Posada’s annual average of $10.2 million is second among catchers to the Mets’ Mike Piazza, who averages $13 million in a seven-year, $91 million deal that began in 1999. Pittsburgh catcher Jason Kendall is third with a $10 million average under a six-year deal that began last season.
Playing with a sore shoulder last season, Posada batted .277 with 22 homers–including three grand slams–and 95 RBIs.
He had surgery after the 2001 season to repair a small tear in his right labrum. The Yankees say Posada should be ready to play by Opening Day.
Posada can terminate the deal after receiving $21.5 million over the first three years and become eligible for free agency after the 2004 season.
The Yankees have an option for an additional season that could make the contract worth $63 million.
