DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies bolstered their defense and provided their young pitching staff with an experienced veteran behind the plate Monday when they finalized a $6.25 million two-year contract with catcher Nick Hundley.
His signing creates some uncertainty about Wilin Rosario's playing time -- if not his future -- in Colorado. Rosario has plenty of pop at the plate but passed balls and wild pitches are something the Rockies need to cut down on to jumpstart their rebuilding process.
The Rockies, who announced Hundley's deal Monday, have tried playing Rosario at first base with mixed results.
Hundley, 31, played for San Diego from 2008-14 and was traded to Baltimore last May 24. He hit .243 last year with six homers and 22 RBIs in 83 games.
After playing in pitcher-friendly Petco Park, Hundley's numbers figure to get a boost from playing at altitude.
Having played most of his career in the NL West, he's also familiar with the hitters in the division and the Rockies are hoping that could help speed the learning curve for their young pitchers.
Hundley played in a career-best 114 games in 2013, when he set career highs for doubles (19), homers (13) and RBIs (44). He's thrown out 27 percent of base stealers in his seven-year career.
He gets $3.1 million this year and $3.15 million in 2016. The deal also includes award bonuses.
To make room on their 40-man roster, the Rockies designated right-handed pitcher Chris Martin for assignment.