Marlins sign A.J. Ellis to one-year deal

By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor  

Although there seemed to be mutual interest between the Philadelphia Phillies and veteran backstop A.J. Ellis in a reunion for the 2017 season, the Miami Marlins agreed to a one-year pact with the 35-year-old. 

The Marlins have agreed to terms with A.J. Ellis on a 1-year deal for $2.5 million.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 7, 2016

The Phillies traded away one of the final members of the 2008 World Championship team in Carlos Ruiz to the Dodgers last season for Ellis and prospect Joey Curletta. Ellis provided strong veteran leadership for the young Phillies pitching staff during his short stint with the team while Ruiz got the opportunity to play for a championship out west.

In 11 games donning red pinstripes, Ellis hit .313 with three doubles, a home run and nine RBIs. He hit .216 overall between the Dodgers and Phillies during the 2016 season.

With Ellis signing elsewhere, there's a strong chance that the Phillies will start 2017 with Cameron Rupp as the primary catcher and Andrew Knapp as the back-up. As we reported yesterday, Matt Klentak said he'd definitely be open to starting the season with those two behind the plate. Knapp, 25, can play first base and potentially outfield, offering a switch-hitting option in the lineup as well.