The Tigers have reached a minor-league deal with veteran infielder Alexi Amarista, according to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free-Press (Twitter links). He’ll receive an invitation to participate in MLB camp.
Amarista, 28, spent the 2017 season with the Rockies. The Colorado organization declined a $2.5MM club option for the coming season, preferring instead to pay him a $150K buyout.
There’s little to love about Amarista’s offensive profile. He has never hit much, but his output has not even kept pace with the standard he set earlier in his career, when he was a heavily used player with the Padres. Over the past three seasons, Amarista owns a marginal .225/.268/.301 slash line with six home runs and 15 steals over 683 plate appearances.
Clearly, the work with the bat does not explain Amarista’s appeal. Rather, it lies in his defensive versatility. Amarista has spent most of his career playing the middle infield, especially short, and also has significant time at thrid base and across the outfield (including in center).
For Detroit, Amarista represents some much-needed veteran depth. He could challenge for a reserve role in camp along with fellow non-roster invitee Pete Kozma. Yet more opportunity could open up if the Tigers end up dealing shortstop Jose Iglesias.
Lexi is a perfect utility player. Many times he has hit in clutch situations. He’s an above average infielder/centerfielder and a good get for any team.
Above average?
ok, that may have been an exaggeration but he is still serviceable.
Lol
People that think he is an outfielder
lowtalker- you saw the diving catches he made in centerfield didn’t you? You’re a padres fan. Those weren’t easy catches made by an average outfielder. Tell me I’m wrong.
According to UZR/150, he’s been worth 13.2 runs below average as an OF in his career.
bit.ly/2n6lwVh
Stats as opposed to actually watching him play. Ok, we’ll agree to disagree. I’m not sure how your link came up with those numbers. Amarista did not play outfield too much and in the few games he did play out there, he covered alot of ground. The little ninja has decent speed.
You really should have watched him play more. Black liked him. That’s why he was on the 25 so long. He was awful and his natural position… 2nd he was average to below average
I would not say below average and I watched him alot. You and I will not agree but I still think he is a good minor league sign.
You mean 90% of the time he took bad routes and the ball went over his head or dropped in front of him? 10% of the time making a good play doesn’t justify the fact. Renfroe makes good plays at well but his defense is bad
He was like really really good (on MLB The Show 2012)
Lol he was a well regarded prospect at that time when the Angels sent him over to the Pads for Freiri.
Well regarded? Idk about that. He was supposed to be fast and like 5’3
When is Eric Hosmer’s minor league deal going to be announced?
Can you please just leave?
Don’t have to be so angry. Just because you have the oldest team in baseball
Bluejaysfan stop being so soft bro wow
Another coy move by the Tiger’s front office setting up trying to get Colton Welker. His speed, insight, defensive and locker room presence make him a bargain and possibly the missing chip to 70 wins.
Why do you think Tigers are setting up to get Colton Welker?
Trade back to them the guy they didn’t want to keep
I remember my first 4D chess match.
That money could have been for Andrew Romine.
Amarista is a terrible hitter; he can stand around at a bunch of positions. Good for him
A negative comment from davidcoonce74. What a surprise.
If I could think of something nice to say about Amarista I would say it. I suppose he’s fast or something.
He has a cool name and I like his batting stance in MLB the Show 17. He’s always the 8th infielder I draft. He deserves 30 million.
For some strange reason every time I read Alexi Amarista’s name I read it in Vin Scully’s voice. I used to watch many late night MLBTV games, apparently quite a few Dodgers/Padres games. It seemed liked Vin really loved saying “Alexi Amarista.” He would articulate every syllable so well.
As I read your post, I could hear Vin in my head saying his name with a slight pause between the first and last name and a pause between “ree” and “stuh”.
I think snow melted outside from his smooth, velvet, voice.
Jon Miller had fun with it too. They both also enjoy Ehire Adrianza.
Jon Miller saying Rafael Furcal is still one of the greatest things ever.
Go Lil Ninja!!