The rumors of catcher Derek Norris finding a new home with the Tampa Bay Rays appear to be picking up steam.

ESPN’s Buster Olney reported Tuesday that the Rays “continue to have conversations” about adding Norris, who reportedly was placed on waivers by the Washington Nationals last weekend.

Norris was due to make $4.2 million this season, but arbitration-year salaries are not guaranteed and the Nats would be responsible for only 30 days of termination pay by releasing him. Earlier this week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Rays tweeted that the Rays “would have some interest” in the 28-year-old Norris if and when he was released.

The Nationals acquired Norris from the Padres in December, but he became expendable when four-time All-Star Matt Wieters signed as a free agent earlier in spring training.

There are available at-bats in Tampa Bay for Norris, at least early in the season. The Rays signed Wilson Ramos over the winter, but the former Nats catcher will begin the season on the disabled list as he works his way back from knee surgery.

Olney cautions the Rays are “wary” of bringing in a new catcher and “interrupting [the] relationship” that incumbent options Curt Casali and Luke Maile are building with the pitching staff.

As for other options, the Rockies could be looking for a catcher after Tom Murphy suffered a fractured forearm, but it is unclear if Colorado will look outside the organization.

The 28-year-old Norris hit just .186/.255/.328 last year in San Diego, but he was an All-Star for the A's in 2014 and is considered a solid defensive player.

-- Doug Mittler