Veteran catcher Austin Nola has agreed to a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.
The 34-year-old Nola, who spent the past three and a half seasons with the San Diego Padres, was not offered a contract by the team following a challenging 2023 campaign that saw him bat just .146 in 52 games.
Despite his struggles last season, Nola has a respectable career batting average of .249 over five major league seasons, which also included a stint with the Seattle Mariners.
The Brewers are taking a chance on Nola, who will compete for a spot on the major league roster. If he makes the team, he’ll earn a salary of $975,000, with an additional $250,000 in bonuses tied to games played.
Nola’s signing is a low-risk move for the Brewers, who are looking to add depth to their catching corps. His brother, Aaron Nola, a pitcher, recently signed a lucrative seven-year, $172 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, making Austin’s deal a relatively modest one in comparison.
The Brewers are hoping that Nola can bounce back from his tough season and provide some veteran leadership behind the plate.
With his experience and ability to handle pitchers, Nola could be a valuable asset to the team. While the deal is a minor league one, it’s a chance for Nola to prove himself and potentially earn a spot on the major league roster.