1:35pm: Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish tweets that Baker will earn $1.6MM in 2014 and $2.1MM in 2015.
1:16pm: The Marlins and Jeff Baker have agreed to a two-year deal, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports (on Twitter). The New York Post's Joel Sherman tweets that Baker is guaranteed $3.7MM and has an additional $500K of incentives built into each year of the deal. Baker's agent, Scott Boras, said last night that he was nearing agreements for four of his clients, including Baker.
The 32-year-old Baker slashed .279/.360/.545 in 2013 thanks in large part to his Herculean numbers against left-handed pitching. Baker has never been one to handle same-handed pitching well, and he showed that last season with a .204/.250/.286 line against righties in just 52 plate appearances. However, in his 123 PAs against southpaws, Baker mashed at a .314/.407/.667 clip. In his career, he's a .298/.353/.522 hitter against lefties.
Baker's splits make him a natural platoon partner at first base for Garrett Jones, who the Marlins also signed to a two-year deal earlier this offseason. Baker also comes with experience at second base, third base and both outfield corners, making him a valuable bench piece whose versatility should serve sophomore manager Mike Remond well.
Baker also drew interest from the Giants, Nationals and Rangers at varying points this offseason. The Marlins' willingness to guarantee a second year seems likely to have pushed them to the front of the pack, though that's just my speculation.
Valuable is a little generous, especially if he’s going to be just a bench player on a good team. He had a nice season last year, but he wasn’t stellar. What’s going to end up happening is that he will maybe start 3-4 games a week and become overexposed. His numbers will drop, and his value will be similar to his 2012 season when he played for three teams.
Valuable as bench players go, especially if he puts up the same number against lefties
I guess this was a smart move for Baker. I don’t think he’ll have to worry about hurting himself giving too many high fives.
Missed on Balfour, missed on Baker, but it seems like Rizzo wants to make one more addition. How many years does Burnett want?
Lobaton trade, or Burnett as a surprise 5th starter add are the only rumors I’ve seen. I agree Rizzo definitely will make one more move. I’d only want A.J on a 1 year deal, but he likely will have a few suitors who would offer more years or AAV due to need.
Ive seen fans throw say theyd like to see us get involved in Burnett- I dont see it. Just cuz rizzo has made moves late in the offseason in prior years doesnt mean he will overspend for #5 starter on a team that has 3-4 viable options at that spot.
Id be surprised if we did anything more than add a back catcher, maybe another bench player or a bullpen guy.
Really surprised (and a little frustrated) that the rangers didn’t resign him. He was a solid bench bat that I thought the Rangers could surely use. Oh well… We’ll just have to be sure the Marlins include him too when we acquire Stanton at the deadline.
I can see why he would sign with Miami, he will be batting cleanup against LHP. That’s something no other MLB team could offer him.
I think they told Casey McGehee the same thing
He did pretty good for himself. Really wouldn’t have gone that high for him. He is a corner infielder that can’t play vs rhp.
I doubt at that price though.
Yep. I still dont think he will do great in a bench role. He needs consistent at bats.
Id like to see the Nats trade for Jose lobaton now
maybe I’m wrong but Marlins will surprise a lot of people this season.. good young bats mixed with veteran leadership and a very good pitching staff.. they were bad last year but I don’t think they will stay at the bottom of the division..
My gut says he’ll be at second soon. Don’t see Furcal getting it done. He’ll end up platooning with both Furcal and Jones.
I’m pretty sure Donovan Solano will play 2B before Baker.
i’ve been wanting the marlins to sign this guy all offseason long. jones can’t hit lefties, and he is that solution. i think the marlins won’t be in the playoffs, but won’t end up last in division again either.