Xavier Paul has opted out of his contract with the Nationals and elected free agency, MLBTR has learned. The 27-year-old outfielder had been playing at Syracuse for Washington's Triple-A affiliate.
Paul, who appeared in 128 games for the Pirates and Dodgers last year, has spent the entire 2012 campaign at Syracuse. He has a .318/.379/.517 batting line with eight home runs in 235 plate appearances and has played both corner outfield positions. He played all three outfield positions last year, when he posted a .255/.292/.346 batting line for Pittsburgh and Los Angeles.
At least he’s free to sign in Australia now.
Thanks Mr. Paul for playing hard. I am excited that the Nats can have players do so well in AAA and not make it to DC, because it means the team is finally good. Mr. Teahen has also done well, but stayed. Both of you were behind Corey Brown. Please make it to an American League team and wreak havoc. I’d hate to have you come to Nats Park and hurt us after you used Syracuse as a showcase.
+1/2St.
Just simply taking advantage of a situation with his contract. He could fit somewhere as a 4th or 5th outfielder.
I could see the Braves taking a gamble on him if he was a right handed hitter.
Indians?
The X man is only a shadow of the player that he was just a few short years ago. Injuries have taken a major toll upon his ability to play on the field, and it is sad to watch him try to run. Here’s hoping that he can make a big-time impact as a possible DH in the American League. He is a class act.
LOL Wut? XP was dynamite in the OF for the Bucs last year. Covered a ton of ground and still has his cannon arm. Can beat out IF hits, bunt for hits and still steal bases. Where he failed with the Bucs was a) lack of HR power for a corner OF, and b) horrendous PH stats (1-22 or something close).
I liked him and still think he’d make a great platoon option or 4th OF. No longer fits on Bucs with Marte due up sometime soon, Jones needing ABs in RF and Presley’s apparent resurrection from the dead. But somebody ought to give the guy a job.
I think you have confused Xavier Paul with Xavier Nady.
Nady was ‘The X-Man’ when he played for the Pirates.
Nady was a very good hitter for the Pirates, no doubt about it. But Xavier Paul was not.
Never mind! He’s lefty Tribe’s has enough of those.
I liked him in Pittsburgh. Maybe worth another look here.
I agree. He can’t be much worse than Tabata’s been this year.
The Orioles could use an outfielder as Jones is the only real outfielder on their active roster until Markakis returns. Would be nice if they stopped having DHs play the outfield.