SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Kansas City Royals signed Austin Nola to a contract for the 2024 season on Friday, adding a veteran catcher to provide insurance behind Salvador Perez alongside young backup Freddy Fermin.
Nola gets a $975,000 salary while in the major leagues and $175,000 while in the minors. He can earn $250,000 in performance bonuses for games while in the major leagues: $50,000 each for 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125.
Nola, 34, was released by the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday to make room for Gary Sanchez.
Nola appeared in 110 games for the San Diego Padres two years ago, hitting .251 with four home runs and 40 RBIs. But he hit .146 with one home run and eight RBIs while appearing in 52 games for the Padres last season.
The Royals had little depth at catcher behind Perez and Fermin, though outfielder MJ Melendez can play the position. The only other catchers in big league camp are non-roster invitees Logan Porter, Tyler Cropley, Sandy León and Rodolfo Durán.
In a corresponding move, the Royals put Kris Bubic on the 60-day injured list. The left-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in April and threw his first bullpen session of spring training this week.