Ex-Blue Jay J.P. Arencibia, Rangers talking deal: report

J.P. Arencibia soon could be headed from one hitters park to another.

The former Toronto Blue Jays catcher reportedly is working towards a deal with the Texas Rangers.

It's believed the teams tried to work out a trade earlier this week before Toronto chose not to offer Arencibia a contract, thus making the 27-year-old a free agent.

The Blue Jays then signed free agent Dioner Navarro to a two-year contract worth $8 million US after he posted a .300 batting average and a career-high 13 home runs in 89 games (240 at-bats) this past season with the Chicago Cubs.

Arencibia, on the other hand, suffered through a career-worst season in 2013. While his 21 homers were the second-highest total among major league catchers, he had career lows in batting average (.194), on-base percentage (.227) and slugging percentage (.365).

Arencibia also racked up a team-high 148 strikeouts, the most of his career.

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said cutting Arencibia loose was "not an easy decision at all," and predicted the catcher would improve next season.

It could happen, with a change of scenery and favourable hitting environment.

According to ESPN.com's Park Factors, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington surrendered 0.903 home runs per game in 2013, which ranked 19th among the 30 major league parks.

Rogers Centre in Toronto was third with 1.289 home runs per game.

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