AP source: Tigers and C Romine agree to deal
DETROIT - The Detroit Tigers and catcher Austin Romine agreed to a $4.15 million, one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced and was pending a successful physical.
The 31-year-old Romine has backed up Gary Sánchez for the New York Yankees the past four seasons. Praised mostly for his defense and management of the pitching staff, Romine has steadily improved as a hitter. He batted .281 with eight home runs and a .748 OPS in 72 games last season.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: New York Yankees catcher Austin Romine (28) at bat during the MLB game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays on September 24, 2019 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Spo
Romine made $1.8 million last season. He will likely become Detroit's starter, with Grayson Greiner the primary backup.
Romine is the younger brother of Andrew Romine, who was a utility player for Detroit from 2014-17.