Tigers release veteran catcher Eric Haas, and Carson Kelly is signed

CLEVELAND — With an eye on improving their future catch, the Detroit Tigers designated veteran Eric Haas for assignment and signed free agent catcher Carson Kelly on Saturday.

Haas, 30, has been with Detroit since 2020. The 30-year-old has struggled leading, especially against left-handers with an average of just 129.

Haase caught the second of the Friday Night Double before manager AJ Hinch told him he was set.

“It is difficult to deliver this kind of news to someone who is so universally loved, admired and respected,” Hinch said. “You’ve had really great moments for us here. Unfortunately, things haven’t gone so well this year.”

Haas grew up in Detroit and always wanted to play for his boyhood team, and Hinch said his relationship with the team made the decision more difficult.

“He did a lot of things for us and for the organization,” Hinch said. “I was close with Eric. I think he’s great. He helped. He just didn’t work here like he had in previous years.”

Kelly was released earlier this week by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Once he settles down, the 29-year-old will likely split with Jake Rogers, who has cemented himself as the No. 1 catcher in Detroit.

Kelly has struggled at the plate this season, hitting . 26 with one homer and six RBIs in 33 games.

“He can do a lot,” Hinch said. “We think we can improve his catch. He’s got some power. He’s got experience. He’s an all-around catcher.”