Reds sign catcher Devin Mesoraco to four-year, $28 million extension

The Cincinnati Reds have signed catcher Devin Mesoraco to a four-year, $28 million contract extension to avoid a salary arbitration hearing, the team announced Monday. 

Mesoraco, 26, had a breakout season in 2014. In his second season as the Reds' primary catcher, Mesoraco recorded career highs in all major offensive categories and was named to his first career All-Star team. He batted .273 with 25 home runs, 80 RBI and a .534 slugging percentage. He also improved defensively, according to advanced fielding statistics.

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"This is only organization I've known," Mesoraco said, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. "It's always been a pleasure to be part of the organization. There was definitely something I was very excited to go forward with."

The Reds have two other arbitration-eligible All-Stars who must either sign extensions or agree to one-year deals in arbitration: Aroldis Chapman and Todd Frazier. 

- Dan Gartland