David Ross joins Red Sox on two-year deal, per report

While the Boston Red Sox continue their search for a first baseman, they have shored up their backstop. According to multiple reports, the Red Sox and catcher David Ross have agreed to a two-year, $6.2 million contract. The news was first broken by FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, whose MLB source said the plan is for Ross to be "more than a backup but not a starter."

Ross, 35, played last year for the Atlanta Braves where he backed up Brian McCann and hit .256 with 9 home runs and 23 RBI in 179 at-bats. He played briefly for the Red Sox behind Jason Varitek in 2008, but only appeared in eight games. His best years are likely behind him, like when "Ross the Merciless" hit 21 home runs in 2006 on the Cincinnati Reds, but he's a veteran presence and, unlike most backup catchers, not a liability with the bat.

Ross will likely slot in behind Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the Red Sox' depth chart. Saltalamacchia hit 25 home runs last year in 405 at-bats, but hit just .222 and caught a Red Sox pitching staff that had a markedly unsuccessful year.