Jansen has been out since Wednesday with a mild intercostal strain. Ben Rortvedt would start Friday if Jansen isn’t ready to go, but the team might also have to adjust and add a third catcher, presumably Logan Driscoll, to the roster.

Jansen has been held out of action the last few days, but Rays manager Kevin Cash is hopeful he’ll be able to return to game action early next week. His status for Opening Day is up in the air, but it sounds like there’s a chance he’s ready in time. It would be Ben Rortvedt handling the catching duties if he’s not ready in time.

The deal, which was agreed to last Friday, was officially announced on Thursday afternoon. Jansen will earn an $8 million salary for the 2025 season and the contract also includes a $12 million mutual option for the 2026 campaign with a $500,000 buyout. The 29-year-old backstop slashed an underwhelming .205/.309/.349 with nine homers and 24 RBI in 324 plate appearances between the Blue Jays and Red Sox in 2024. He makes for an intriguing second catcher option in deeper mixed leagues.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reports it’s an $8.5 million deal for Jansen with a mutual option for 2026. The Rays were reportedly in the mix to sign Travis d’Arnaud before he landed with the Angels, and instead will bring in Jansen to serve as their catcher for the 2025 campaign. The 29-year-old struggled with Boston after being dealt to the Red Sox from Toronto, but when healthy, he’s served as a solid option behind the plate. He’ll be a mid-range second catcher to open the year from a fantasy perspective.