Veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski returning to Braves on one-year deal

The Atlanta Braves have agreed to a one-year deal with veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski.

The Braves have agreed to a one-year deal with veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski, the team announced Thursday. 

Pierzynski, who turns 39 in December, signed a one-year deal with Atlanta prior to the 2015 season. He was the Braves’ primary catcher this season, posting his first .300 batting average since 2009 and his highest OPS (.769) since 2012. 

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Pierzynski had originally been signed to back up top prospect Christian Bethancourt but Bethancourt struggled defensively and at the plate, and spent much of the season in the minors as a result. 

- Dan Gartland