The Mariners have signed Cuban infielder Dayner Moreira to a minor league contract, reports Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune. The 31-year-old will report for early work with the Mariners’ minor league mini-camp and figures to head to minor league camp once the rest of the position players report. Though he appears ticketed for the minors to open the year, the team’s hope is that Moreira could eventually surface as a utility option.
Vice president of player personnel Tom Allison told Dutton that Moreira “can really, really run” and praised the Cuban veteran’s infield versatility. Allison also said that the team hopes to get a look at Moreira in left field to see if he can be an option in the outfield corners as well. It’s been more than a year since Moreira saw in-game action for an extensive period, as he missed the 2015-16 season in Cuba after defecting in Puerto Rico last winter (as Carlos Rosa Rosa of El Nuevo Dia wrote back in November). That lack of recent experience is the reason he’s heading to minor league camp, per Allison, although it’s at least worth noting that Moreira did appear in 13 games in the Puerto Rican Winter League this offseason. Of course, he received just 38 at-bats in that time, collecting 11 hits (all singles), so he’s undoubtedly still somewhat rusty.
Though he lacks power, Moreira offered solid contributions in terms of batting average and OBP in Cuba, where he is a lifetime .316/.359/.376 hitter in 3247 plate appearances. Moreira played shortstop exclusively in Cuba (with the exception of one lone inning at third base), but Allison seemed confident that he could handle other infield spots as well.
Cannot hurt. Depth is a good thing.
I have one question guys, how much is a minor league deal worth? I mean do they sign this knowing that if they don’t make the roster, they won’t get paid a dime? Or do they get a small amount of money?
The monthly salaries on minor league deals varies and is rarely, if ever reported because it’s a largely inconsequential amount for teams. I spoke to a number of agents for more of an in-depth look at minor league contracts a year ago:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/02/not-so-minor-moves-a-closer-look-at-minor-league-deals.html
So, yes he’ll get paid to be playing in Triple-A, and even that will be far more money than he ever saw in Cuba, but it won’t necessarily be huge money (relative to the Majors, anyway). You’ll see a wide range from $8K/month in the minors to some making $20K/month or more.
From the MLB CBA:
2014—at the rate per season of $81,500;
2015—at the 2014 rate per season plus a cost of living
adjustment, rounded to the nearest $100, provided that the cost
of living adjustment shall not reduce the minimum salary
below $81,500;
2016—at the 2015 rate per season plus a cost of living
adjustment, rounded to the nearest $100, provided that the cost
of living adjustment shall not reduce the minimum salary
below the 2015 rate per season.
I am guessing at 32 the guy is signing as a FA. If he makes a minor league team he will be getting more than $81K I am guessing?
Not the Cuban player i hoped they would sign but it is not too late. Do something rare for the Nintendo ownership and stop worrying about turning an immediate profit and take a chance sign Lazarito. They let Bavasi trade away most of the talent, then Z could not develop can’t miss players time to take a chance on a big name player coming out of Cuba. You have that huge TV deal don’t be afraid to spend it. Oh and sell the team it doesn’t work to run it as a business.
I’m afraid that they are going to sell the team if they don’t win soon, then try to relocate, but safeco is too nice of a stadium to be empty
He’s at my dealership right now buying a new car. Nice person with strong legs and a hell of an arm. Starting pay in Triple A will be 9K per month. If he makes the 40 man roster he gets MLB min of 500K +.