July 19: Rather than place Almonte on outright waivers in an attempt to keep him in the organization for depth purposes, the Royals have simply released Almonte, per the team’s transactions log at MLB.com.
July 16: The Royals announced on Monday that they’ve designated outfielder Abraham Almonte for assignment. His roster spot will go to infielder/outfielder Rosell Herrera, who has been reinstated from the paternity list.
Almonte, 29, was claimed off waivers by the Royals back in the first week of the season but hasn’t produced in 151 plate appearances over the course of 50 games, batting just .179/.260/.284. Almonte has, at times in the past, been a plus defender and baserunner, but he’s been about a run below average in center field (per both Ultimate Zone Rating and Defensive Runs Saved) and has gone 2-for-4 in stolen base attempts this season.
The Royals will have a week to either trade, outright or release Almonte. He has enough service to reject an outright assignment in favor of free agency, though he’d sacrifice the remainder of his $825K salary for the 2018 season by going that route, so it seems likely that he’ll remain in the organization if he clears waivers.
On his way back to Cleveland
oh god no. don’t even say that. please.
That’s the big OF help
Oh sure, back to the team that cast him away. Another dumb comment, courtesy of you.
It’s a typical move by this front office. Keep whining about Brandon Barnes and leave the real baseball talk to the adults
some guys just cant perform, without PEDs…
His favorite players growing up were Sammy Sosa and Manny Ramirez
The Rangers could use him. Any player would be a up grade to what they have now
They’ve stuck with Tocci this long in a lost season so I doubt they’ll give up on him now, and Almonte wouldn’t be much of an upgrade over Rua
And to think Carlos Tocci could be a White Sox right now and y’all wouldn’t even have to deal with him.
He’s not going anywhere. He’ll take the demotion and get his money
Well…he got his money
These players and the money they make. Who in his/her right mind will give away $825K on salary?
Over the last 3 years, the Royals have given Omar Infante almost $18 million and well then there is Carl Crawford who has banked $40 million+ from the Dodgers. Sadly, it happens. $825k is pocket change to these teams.
2 words. Bobby Bonilla
Losing him doesn’t bother me.
He was worthless and we have many other players that deserve more playing time than him
Almonte doesn’t even qualify as a minor league depth option. I’d be surprised if any teams in Japan or Korea show interest.