2/20 11:54: According to Jon Heyman of Sport Illustrated, the Mets and Rangers are in a serious bidding war for Barajas. Heyman says that that the Mets have offered a guaranteed Big League contract to the free agent catcher and the Rangers have up their offer north of $1.5 million. Barajas is leaning toward signing with the Mets.

2/19 17:29: According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the New York Mets and Texas Rangers continue to bid for free agent catcher Rod Barajas. The Mets are offering $1 million if he makes the team while the Rangers are offering $1.5 million.

The Mets currently have a surplus of catcher with Omir Santos, Henry Blanco, Chris Coste, Shawn Riggans and Josh Thole on the roster. It was believed that the Mets were going to let them all battle it out in Spring Training for playing time. If they sign Barajas, he will likely get the bulk of the playing time.

In early January, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com said that the Rangers would bring in one or two catcher to prepare for the uncertainty of Jarrod Saltalamachia and to push youngster Taylor Teagarden. The club may not have confidence in Teagarden to take over everyday catching duties.

Barajas hit .226 with 19 home runs and 71 RBIs with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2009. You can Barajas his contract history and statistics here.