The Yankees have added one other left-handed bat to compete for enjoying time within the outfield this spring.
Former Rangers left fielder Willie Calhoun has agreed to a non-roster contract with New York, in accordance to MLB insider Mark Feinsand. The deal contains an invite to spring coaching, an opportunity for Calhoun—a former prime prospect with the Rangers—to make an impression and switch his profession round.Â
Calhoun has been on a steep decline over the previous few years, ultimately ensuing in the long run of his six-year tenure with Texas. The former fourth-round choose slashed .269/.323/.524 with 21 homers and 110 wRC+ throughout 83 video games with the Rangers in 2019. Since then, the 28-year-old has a .221 batting common, .621 OPS and 59 strikeouts in 126 video games.Â
This yr, he was designated for project in June, traded to the Giants in trade for outfielder Steven Duggar. He ended up showing in simply 4 MLB video games with San Francisco shortly earlier than the top of the common season, electing free company in October.Â
The offensive numbers are a serious purple flag right here, however let’s give attention to the positives first. Calhoun has potential in pinstripes together with his pull-side energy. He would not be the primary lefty to increase his numbers with an opportunity to play at Yankee Stadium. If he can discover a method to recapture his type from 2019, enhancing throughout the board, then that may be even higher.Â
Otherwise, it is a case of the Yankees taking a flyer on a struggling slugger at a place of want. New York has been looking for a left-handed hitting left fielder all offseason, contemplating all prospects whereas one of the best free brokers have signed with different groups. Barring a commerce (which is still very much in play) or one other signing from the remaining outfielders on the open market, New York will proceed with in-house outfielders Aaron Hicks, Oswaldo Cabrera and Estevan Florial.
It would take fairly a reversal from Calhoun for him to play his method into consideration with that group. Not solely does he carry a regarding monitor document on offense, however his protection has been a legal responsibility (minus-14 Defensive Runs Saved in left discipline in his MLB profession) and he lacks velocity (zero stolen bases).
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