Cleveland Guardians Release 11-Year Veteran All-Star Catcher

The Cleveland Guardians have made the decision to part ways with 11-year veteran catcher Mike Zunino.

After a disappointing season both offensively and defensively, Zunino has been released by the team.

The 32-year-old player struggled at the plate, posting a batting average of .177 and hitting only three home runs over 140 plate appearances. His high strikeout rate also added to his offensive woes.

RELEASED: #Guardians have released C Mike Zunino after he was designated for assignment last Friday.

— MLB Transaction Tracker (@MLBMovesTracker) June 22, 2023

Defensively, Zunino's skills declined as well, with below-average marks in throwing out attempted base stealers and leading the league in passed balls.

These factors led to the Guardians' choice to designate him for assignment, ultimately releasing him to explore opportunities with other teams.

In his place, the Guardians recently called up their top prospect, Bo Naylor, to assume the role of the starting catcher.

The Cleveland Guardians released C Mike Zunino. pic.twitter.com/wFsIvtRbuL

— Complete MLB (@CompleteMLB) June 22, 2023

Zunino's one-year, $6 million contract signed in the previous offseason came to an end with this development.

Zunino was an All-Star in the 2021 season with the Tampa Bay Rays, slashing .216/.301/.559, with 33 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 64 runs scored across 109 games that season. Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports