After signing left-hander Jason Vargas to a four-year, $32 million contract this afternoon, the Royals have designated catcher George Kottaras for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
Kottaras was claimed off waivers from the Athletics last winter and played sparingly this past season with Salvador Perez carrying most of the load behind the plate. The 30-year-old appeared in a total 46 games (29 starts) and hit just .180/.349/.370 with five home runs and 12 RBI over 126 plate appearances.
Kottaras has some power and a knack for getting on base, so he could be a useful part-time catcher depending on where he ends up next.