WEDNESDAY: Scout.com's Kiley McDaniel tweets the breakdown of Diaz's contract: he receives a $2MM signing bonus before earning $500K in 2014, $1.5MM in 2015 and $2MM in 2016-17.
MONDAY: Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports (via Twitter) that Diaz's deal was worth just $8MM — a significant departure from his initial goals.
SUNDAY, 4:20pm: The contract is worth less than $20MM, tweets FOXSports' Jon Paul Morosi.
12:35pm: The Cardinals have signed Cuban infielder Aledmys Diaz, USA Today's Bob Nightengale tweets. Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan tweets that it's a four-year deal. Diaz will report to spring training tomorrow. Diaz is represented by Jaime Torres.
"We have been following Aledmys for quite some time," Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said in a statement. "His signing marks a significant benchmark for the Cardinals in the international arena, and we are excited to have reached this agreement."
Terms of the deal are unclear, but there has been some speculation that Diaz could receive a deal slightly larger than those signed by fellow Cuban infielders Erisbel Arruebarrena and Alexander Guerrero of the Dodgers. Scout.com's Kiley McDaniel suggests Diaz could get $5MM-7MM per season.
McDaniel also suggests Diaz should hit well for average, but with below-average power. He reportedly isn't a strong defensive shortstop, but he could be better at second base. Whether Diaz can play shortstop regularly may not be a huge issue for the Cardinals anyway, at least not in the short term, since they signed Jhonny Peralta to a four-year, $53MM deal this offseason. The Cardinals currently have Kolten Wong penciled in as their starter at second base, with Matt Carpenter (who signed a six-year, $52MM extension only yesterday) at third and Mark Ellis as a key infield backup.
Diaz worked out for the Cardinals last month and, per a tweet from MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez, the Cubs this past Wednesday. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweets the Padres made a run at the 23-year-old, who had also been connected to the Giants, Blue Jays, Yankees, Phillies, Mariners, Braves and Athletics. Besides the Cardinals, Diaz had received offers from five other clubs, tweets Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.
Edward Creech contributed to this post.
rich get richer :/
Oh please, we’re like 11th in payroll
Hopefully he was talking about talent and not payroll.
I sure hope so since the Cardinal’s are definitely not rich if you compare the other top teams in payroll.
11th is somewhat high, but yes I was talking about talent
To me, it was obvious from the beginning.
Haha, clearly. Actually, they just got poorer, money-wise. How that went unrealized, I cannot say.
the cardinals ridiculous IF depth just keeps getting deeper.
Only that they had no depth at SS four months ago.
Now Pete kozma is hitting well again. Would be real funny if he actually kept on hitting good with two other good SS aqcuired,
Likely hitting well due to there being no pressure. He has no job to lose. Like in 2012 during September. No expectations
Except the pressure to earn a Major League roster spot, which is very unlikely with Descalso also hitting well.
Non-tender candidate: Daniel Descalso
Pirates should be all over him.
As far as I’m concerned, we can leave him for you at will call if you’d like to pick him up.
I’ve read a lot of scouts’ opinions on Aledmys Diaz and its amazing how different each one percieves him. Most think he will be a 2B, and aren’t crazy about his defensive skills at SS. I’ve also read that he seems to struggle against tough breaking pitches and that Cuban offensive numbers in recent years have been inflated. I’m interested to see what he does for the Cardinals this year.
I’m interested in what he does in Memphis this year, because he’s probably not ready for the big club.
Considering he hasn’t played organized ball in a year and a half, yeah. He won’t sniff St. Louis before July, maybe not until September.
Kolton Wong?
Diaz is headed to the high minors, so he’s not direct competition for Wong right now.
It really depends I think on Wong. Ellis isn’t a core player and Descalso is a NT Candidate. If Diaz works out at SS and Wong struggles at 2nd, then they’ll move Peralta to 3rd and Carpenter to 2nd and use Wong as either trade bait or as a utility guy. Or if Wong struggles they use Diaz at 2nd and leave Peralta and Carp be.
On the one hand, I don’t really get this signing, infield depth doesn’t seem to be a glaring issue for the Cards. On the other hand though, they don’t really have any glaring issues, so why not, right?
They still didn’t have a long-term answer at SS. Peralta was a nice stop-gap for a couple years but the front office still wanted to address the position long-term. If Wong struggles, Diaz could take over 2nd. If Wong plays well, Diaz will likely be the backup for Carpenter, Peralta, and Kozma. Mozeliak said he will start the season in the high minors.
Except Diaz’s contract expires when Peralta’s does.
Peralta is not going to be an every day SS by the end of his contract. The Cardinals know this.
Peralta’s deal is also front-loaded, so they could pretty easily trade him after 2 years.
He may not even be an every day SS now.
The last couple years he has been about average with the glove and the bat certainly plays at SS. No reason to think he’s not an above-average every day SS.
He’ll still have to go through arbitration. It is highly unlikely that Diaz’ contract stipulates that he is a FA after 4 years, and he still has to earn arbitration via MLB service time…this being an MLB deal just means he gets a 40-man spot. The Cardinals should have at least 6 years of control, more if he spends in the minors..and it seems likely he’ll be there at least most of this year.
Which basically gives them 7 years of control.
Uh… Are you sure about that?
Mozeliak decided it wasn’t worth trading from the outfield or pitching depth to fill the need at SS so he just went out and spent the money where it was needed. The Cardinals have plenty of depth at every position for the next few years besides catcher.
Carson Kelley?
Maybe in 2017 if he develops as a catcher. I like him but he is not considered depth at the catcher position at this point.
His name is spelled Kelly and plays 3B like Wisdom. Also have Greg Garcia in the Minors as a SS/2B and others to. Also Craig/Cruz/Hill all can also play 3B.
Kelly got moved from 3B…He’s now behind the dish. He spent part of the winter working with Matheny and is in camp now as a backstop. Depth EVERYWHERE!!!
He is now a catcher in the organization. The switch to behind the plate has went well from reports so far but there’s obviously a long way to go. Catcher still doesn’t have depth at this time, which is what I was referring to.
Cutler,Stanley,Erlich,Bean and so on
Yes, I know the Cardinals have players that play catcher in the minor leagues. There is not much to be excited about if something were to happen to Yadi in the next couple years. Every other position has a solid backup plan if the starter goes down, catcher does not.
How do you feel about a JR Murphy for Kolten Wong trade? Wong is probably worth more at the moment, so Yanks would add another small piece. But as a base, you think that works?
I really don’t think the Cardinals have any interest on trading Wong. They traded Freese to make room for Wong. I don’t think the FO opinion has changed because of a handful of Spring Training at-bats.
Yes, I know the Cardinals have players that play catcher in the minor leagues. There is not much to be excited about if something were to happen to Yadi in the next couple years. Every other position has a solid backup plan if the starter goes down, catcher does not.
@Matt–Cutler is now in the Pittsburgh organization. Bean struggled in rookie ball last season as a 19-year-old and hasn’t reached Single A yet. Erhlich was injured most of last year and is still in Single A. Stanley and Rasmus (Casey) are the closest to the majors, but they’re considered backup catchers at best like Tony Cruz. There is no “so on”, which is one reason why the Cardinals switched Kelly to the catcher position; they don’t have any strong prospects in the system at the higher levels, and those with decent potential are still years away.
Kelly caught 3 innings the other day vs Mets. He looked like he had been catching his whole life. His development will be interesting to watch.
I really like the move for him and the Cardinals and I wasn’t knocking Kelly at all. He’s just a long ways from actually helping the ML team.
Kelly got moved to catcher this off-season, and is looking really impressive so far.
Maybe don’t always speak in such absolutes ;)
Well Diaz can spend all of 2014 in the minors and replace Ellis in 2015. And if he is good, he can force a position change or trade.
But the cards have zero shortstop plans for the future, and Peralta will eventually need to move off the position
Not trying to be an asssss, but if Peralta tested positive again, it gives the Cards more options. Nothing will surprise me anymore.
I believe that Wong is not yet ready so Ellis will get most of the time at second and Wong is the starter next year. Diaz will take over at short stop at the deadline 2015 when they deal peralta. This kid is extremely talented and I hope that he is not restricted to the bench due to blockage
Peralta isn’t going to be moved after a year and a half, and Wong is starting this year.
If Peralta has a good year and a half, I could definitely see him being moved since his contract is frontloaded. I think it’s something like 2/23 for ’16-’17, which isn’t an unreasonable contract at all and would probably return something of value.
I think that he is under preforming in camp and Ellis is hitting and fielding much better overall and I believe that Wong’s starting on the bench.
Wong will either be starter in Memphis or in St. Louis, he won’t be on the bench unless it’s a tough lefty starting.
Wong has appeared 7 games so far. 7. And in the last 3 games, he’s had 3 hits, one a double, 2 walks, 2 RBIs, 3 runs, a stolen base, and zero strikeouts in 6 at bats. And he’s been great in the field, making at least three stellar plays.
Maybe we should wait more than a week before passing judgment on the guy? Sheesh.
What?! Logic?!?!? You’re crazy, man! Just crazy!……
I agree. Wong may see a split this year, but if he shows any sign of being an every day guy he will no doubt keep the job. Ellis is a veteran stop gap/backup plan. No more. Wong is potentially the future.
What?! Logic?!?!? You’re crazy, man! Just crazy!……
I agree. Wong may see a split this year, but if he shows any sign of being an every day guy he will no doubt keep the job. Ellis is a veteran stop gap/backup plan. No more. Wong is potentially the future.
Wong has appeared 7 games so far. 7. And in the last 3 games, he’s had 3 hits, one a double, 2 walks, 2 RBIs, 3 runs, a stolen base, and zero strikeouts in 6 at bats. And he’s been great in the field, making at least three stellar plays.
Maybe we should wait more than a week before passing judgment on the guy? Sheesh.
Even if the Cardinals were to eventually trade Peralta, it wouldn’t be at the trade deadline. That would mean they were out of contention that year, which would be almost impossible with the very large majority of their very talented roster under contract or team control for at least the next three years.
Mark Ellis is not an infield backup. He can only play second base. I’ve never seen him play anywhere else.
Then you must have missed the Dodger game last year where he played an inning at 3B
1342 career games, 1315 at 2B.
I saw that! It made all the highlight reels.
Probably as much as all the highlight reels Rafael Palmeiro made to win a GG playing 28 games
I call myself a fan.
Ellis can play third, and has before
Ellis can play third, and has before
Diaz should spend all of 2014 in the minors. Ellis is a free agent after this season, and Descalso probably won’t be on the team in 2015, whether he is traded or non-tendered. Diaz can replace those two after a year in the high minors.
Agree. Descalso/Ellis this year should become Diaz/Garcia next year.
Agree. Descalso/Ellis this year should become Diaz/Garcia next year.
Why should he stay there if he shows that he’s good enough to take a starting spot?
This really suggests the Cards aren’t high on Wong. Strange signing otherwise.
Are you saying Cardinals think there is something Wong with Kolten?
Wait…
Are you saying Cardinals think there is something Wong with Kolten?
Wait…
This doesn’t change how the Cardinals feel about Wong (especially since its his position to lose after playing only 32 major league games). For years now, the Cardinals have been about having depth in their farm system, and after Wong and possibly Greg Garcia, they really don’t have any solid prospects in the middle infield positions in the high minors. According to the Post-Dispatch, that’s where Diaz is heading. He hasn’t played in more than a year (18 months, I think) and is at least a year away from a major league roster.
If Wong becomes the long-term 2B, then Diaz becomes the next Daniel Descalso. Or, if he sticks at short, he could take over SS from Peralta in a couple of seasons. And if Wong turns into a pumpkin, then Diaz is the long-term backup plan. Because before his signing, there really wasn’t any.
This doesn’t change how the Cardinals feel about Wong (especially since its his position to lose after playing only 32 major league games). For years now, the Cardinals have been about having depth in their farm system, and after Wong and possibly Greg Garcia, they really don’t have any solid prospects in the middle infield positions in the high minors. According to the Post-Dispatch, that’s where Diaz is heading. He hasn’t played in more than a year (18 months, I think) and is at least a year away from a major league roster.
If Wong becomes the long-term 2B, then Diaz becomes the next Daniel Descalso. Or, if he sticks at short, he could take over SS from Peralta in a couple of seasons. And if Wong turns into a pumpkin, then Diaz is the long-term backup plan. Because before his signing, there really wasn’t any.
actually it has zero to do with Wong. It’s depth with high potential. No every piece will become a starter in the bigs. He could just as easily be traded later. There is no such thing as “too much talent”.
actually it has zero to do with Wong. It’s depth with high potential. No every piece will become a starter in the bigs. He could just as easily be traded later. There is no such thing as “too much talent”.
Yknow, after I saw that he signed with St. Louis I assumed it was for less than many people were predicting. It’s amazing how St. Louis keeps being the best organization in baseball.
Yknow, after I saw that he signed with St. Louis I assumed it was for less than many people were predicting. It’s amazing how St. Louis keeps being the best organization in baseball.
It is a bit curious signing, although it adds depth to the organization. If this guy pans out, the cardinals would be in a good position to trade off assets for high quality prospects.
The “less than $20 million” sounds about right for such an unproven player with many question marks. He may or may not be a comparable talent to Guerrero or Arruebarrena, but clearly the Dodgers overpayed significantly hoping that either would be an immediate hit (a la Puig).
Read, the Dodgers don’t know the meaning of value and the Cardinals continue to run the best (and smartest) front office in baseball
Well, the Dodgers did let Ellis go when all they had to do was pick up a $4.75M option. When investing $12M/year in unproven Cuban middle infielders it would have been smarter to have a backup plan/utility infielder/veteran leadership.
Success breeds success because it becomes easier to lure the occasional free agent you need. St. Louis’ reputation as Baseball Heaven precedes itself. Lots of excitement going into this year with the maturing prospects, off-season moves, and Cardinal-ville expansion of Busch Stadium.
baseball heaven? really?
Not my characterization. Originated last century in the national media.
Also referenced in the movie Field of Dreams.
Sort of.
Many of us in St. Louis wince at that phrase.
They really need to get over themselves as “the baseball town”. They didn’t have the highest avg attendance in baseball.
They also have a lot smaller city than those who had a higher avg. attendance.
And a lot less stuff to do.
Other than Cardinals games (w/ Ballpark Village coming soon), there are the Blues and the Rams of course, plus the Science Center (most parts free), the zoo (free), the Muny (largest outdoor stage theatre in the country, free seats available), Six Flags amusement park, the Arch w/ museum, and so on…
Its pretty fun during the World Series. But i guess LA doesnt know much about that do they?
Stop getting better, Cardinals.
4 years $8M is unreal. How did the Yankees(or anybody else) not sign this guy?
That is an incredible deal for the Cards whether this guy pans out or not.
Yes, if he’s any good, there are going to be some GMs kicking themselves (or their employees).
That is an incredible deal for the Cards whether this guy pans out or not.
You’ve got to wonder if enough teams saw his try-out and heard he wanted 20+ and said he isn’t worth that much and just walked away.
And the cards stuck around with their lower offer and diaz’s camp just ran out of suitors (speculating obviously).
Agreed… The Blue Jays are in DIRE need of 2B help and didn’t take a flyer on this guy? He can be no worse with the stick than Goins and no worse at defense than Izzy… Not sure how the Cards had this guy fall to them at that price…
our 2nd stringers might be able to win the nl wild card!! certainly would finish higher than the cubbies
Hmm, let’s see…
C Cruz
1B Scruggs?
2B Ellis
SS Diaz
3B Descalso
LF Robinson or Grichuk
CF Jay
RF Taveras
SP Garcia/Kelly/Martinez
SP Garcia/Kelly/Martinez
SP Lyons
Not bad, may very well be better than the Cubs.
That’s pretty good for the cards. This replaces league min pricing, but it’s still cheap in order to have the guy.