The Boston Red Sox have locked down their starting catcher for the 2012 season, agreeing to terms with Jarrod Saltalamacchia on a one-year contract, the team announced today.

The Red Sox continued their spotless record of avoiding arbitration by signing Saltalamacchia. The exact terms of the deal have not yet been announced, but the 26-year-old catcher made $750,000 last year and is expected to see a modest raise.

Last season was Saltalamacchia’s first as the Red Sox’ everyday catcher, taking the role from captain Jason Varitek. Saltalamacchia hit .235 but set career highs with 16 home runs and 56 RBIs.

Defensively, the catcher threw out 28 potential basestealers, the most by a Red Sox catcher since Varitek’s 29 in 2002.