The Orioles have told utilityman Jace Peterson that he will be placed on outright waivers, MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko reports. The team is expected to try and re-sign Peterson after the non-tender deadline (November 30) and the Rule 5 Draft in December.
The move will free up a spot on the Orioles’ roster and also save the club a bit of money in arbitration costs. After earning $900K in 2018 in his first year of arbitration eligibility, Peterson was projected by MLBTR’s Matt Swartz for a raise up to $1.3MM for 2019. Rather than commit to such an amount, the Orioles could try to bring Peterson back on a less-expensive minor league deal or a split contract.
Peterson, 28, was claimed off waivers from the Yankees last April and ended up appearing in 93 games for Baltimore, batting .195/.308/.325 over 235 PA in the orange and black while seeing time as a second baseman, third baseman, corner outfielder, and even three games at shortstop. Peterson hasn’t hit much over his five MLB seasons, though his versatility makes him a useful bench asset, and he received some interest from multiple teams when available in April.
Not trying to be disrespectful but if he hasn’t hit yet and is 28, winning clubs either have better options for that 25th man multi-dimensional player or will see if a younger minor leaguer that costs even less can handle the position.
The Orioles are the exact opposite of a winning club
Agreed but isn’t that their goal? Even by releasing him and then they try to resign him for less (which shouldn’t be difficult), why not give that opportunity to someone younger who will cost even less and who might be ready to contribute when your team is competing or even to showcase for others?
Because then that young player’s clock starts and the window to compete is then shorter. The teams that are rebuilding by tanking have all fielded a roster of just this type of player while stockpiling young talent to bring all of it at once. That’s what the Astros, Cubs and even Braves all did.
Minor league depth. I’m sure they aren’t looking at him on a ML deal
Don’t be so sure. They gave Tillman 3 million guaranteed, and he had been horrible for a long time
Tillman had been horrible for exactly one season. He was our best pitcher for years. He posted a 3.77 ERA over 30 starts in 2016. That’s simply not true at all.
How many players are available that play 7 positions?
If a team wants to carry 8 man bp or have a dh only slugger like nelson cruz, peterson would be worth the money, imo.
They did something! Not much but something.
Garbage team
Guy’s a very versatile and athletic player, plays the game the right way.
lool
What’s the “right way”?
With hustle and great intensity and focus. He does those things. I’m not saying he’s elite, just that he’s a pro, and that actually counts for something.
Plus (lol) he pitches!! WHIP though is 6.
Believe it or not there are some people that like to see players that play hard 24/7 regardless of the score or if it’s a routine groundout to second.
He showed some flashes of being a decent ball player, but it doesn’t seem like that ah ha moment is ever gonna happen for him
It has been said often that Peterson exemplifies the inactivity of the oriole FO for the last few offseasons.
The preparation for the season was so bad that a waiver wire pickup hitting under .200, with horrible defense, was considered better than an entire offseason’s worth of acquisitions.
Firing everybody was long overdue and one hopes the purge continues.
Who cares?
Hire a freaking GM Dumbass!
Try to at least ACT like you know what you are doing.
Does he play good D at any of those 7 positions?
I always liked Jace when he was with the Braves. No he never did a whole lot and is basically the definition of a AAAA player, but he seemed like a good dude and busted his butt. Hopefully he can make someone’s team as their utility IF next year.