The Phillies have announced the signing of third baseman Trevor Plouffe to a minor-league deal. He’ll receive an invitation to Spring Training.
Plouffe had appeared briefly at the major-league level last year with the Phils, marking his ninth-straight season with some action in the majors. He only took a dozen plate appearances, though, marking the first time since his debut season of 2010 that he strode to the MLB plate less than three hundred times in a given campaign.
Once a solid regular with the Twins, Plouffe was non-tendered after an injury-marred 2016 campaign. He struggled badly in the ensuing campaign, leaving him to ink a minors deal last winter. Plouffe ultimately turned in solid power numbers at Triple-A in 2018, slashing .232/.357/.468 with 13 home runs in 291 plate appearances with the Phillies and Rangers organizations.
Now 32, Plouffe will certainly face an uphill task to crack the Phillies roster. But with the club falling short in the bidding on Manny Machado, there could be some opportunity available. Plouffe might conceivably push incumbent third bagger Maikel Franco in camp and could theoretically earn a MLB roster spot or a place on the depth chart at Triple-A.
Wow, I am so excited. They finally did it. Sign me up for Some of that kool-aid.
I mean if we couldn’t get Machado might as will get the next best thing
I am absolutely disappointed! Over 1000 comments and counting in the Machado post, and only 37 on this post! Do people care that much more about Machado than my man Plouffe? Machado is not worth that much more, WAKE UP SHEEPLE!
No; Harper is not the next best thing. Overshadowing his on-field talent and potentially high WAR with us, his toxic baggage that would also accompany him just isn’t worth the price. Walk away Matt.
I never even specified Harper was the next best thing…it was a joke…do I really have to explain the premise of the joke ? Cmon man
My bad if I missed your “joke”; sorry. Still stand by the expressed opinion on Harper.
Crazy stupid money!!!
This must mean no more Harper
Hopefully. As a lifelong Phillies fan, signing Harper would be their biggest mistake — and they’ve made plenty— that I’ll have seen in almost 6 decades. Does he bring talent and added-win-potential? Undoubtedly (though will be exceedingly overpriced by Boras). But the other features – the narcissism, the clubhouse toxicity, etc. – just isn’t worth it. Hope Klentak will be as comfortable in walking away from Bryce as he reportedly was with Manny near the end. Save the “stupid money” for a couple years, then go all out with Trout-fishing
I think you’re underestimating Harper’s prime years (still to come) and the amount of money the Phillies have to spend. Signing both Harper and Trout will be nothing to them.
Not underestimating the baseball talent at all — though still think he’s overpriced even with his prime years ahead. Biggest objection I have is the immature narcissism I saw up close a few years ago when he was doing a rehab stint at AAA Syracuse. So you say, ok he’s young; he’ll grow out if it. But in the years since we’ve been treated to ongoing arrogance, temper tantrums, and even on-camera fights with teammates in the Nats dugout. While Philly could benefit from his talent — maybe even a WS title — the long term toxicity he would bring to the organization would leave a destructive wake that would last well past his bloated contract. Sometimes the ends do not justify the means – and this is one of those times. Walk away Matt.
There’s your Manny Machado consolation prize Philly fans. Hahahaha!!!
Come back to us when the Padres are relevant. Look at Arod did for the Rangers and Stanton for the Marlins. Padres have no pitching and you need it to win.
Padres fans laughing at other teams, now that’s funny!
Im a die-hard Padres fan and personally just grateful for the signing. I hate it when I see other Pads fans do that. Glad we got Manny but feel the Sox pain. Respect Franco, always thought hed be a great player to go after. Philly has a good team. They dismantle us here year after year ugh
The Padres have some sneaky good no name pitchers this season. They also have some very good pitching prospects coming up in the next year or so. No,i’m not a Padres homer. i’m a Pirates & Braves fan.
Don’t laugh now. Harper is a better fit for the Phillies IMO. And the Phillies have had one of the better offseasons so far. Now if they miss out on Harper, please laugh.
Phils passing on Harper would be cause for celebration more that laughter. Talented – but way overvalued. And the toxicity he would bring to the clubhouse would greatly offset any potential pluses – even a WS trophy. He may, in the world of analytics and immediate gratification, be a “better fit”; but the longer term ramifications, beyond the dollars, would be a nightmare.
A nightmare lol. Harper’s prime is not going to be a nightmare for $33-34m per year trust me, especially hitting at CBP surrounded by Hoskins/Segura/Cutch/Realmuto etc.
Again, it’s not so much a question of his talent, or even the ridiculousness of the money (which, you’re right, the Phils can afford). The personal attributes that would accompany him would be destructive to this team, and toxic for the organization. And there’s not a cut in his asking price (as if Boras would ever allow that) that would convince me otherwise.
Why did this article get posted twice Jeffrey? Steve Adams posted this yesterday.
Next article…”fallout from the Trevor Plouffe signing”
“More Reactions from the Trevor Plouffe Signing”
“MLBTR Poll: Trevor Plouffe Signing”
Who wrote it better?
maybe Big and odog could ask for your money back??
No! I want all the reading I can on Trevor Plouffe!
Welp … that’s just my mistake. Was having computer trouble this morning, finally got going, saw the announcement and ran a post.
At least there was something new here, since it is now official!
One more year and with every at bat he is one game closer to a MLB pension. Always liked the guys who are just good enough to hang around long enough to get the pension. I hope he get an opportunity on the MLB level.
Great post, I agree 110%. So much has been put into that career and so much has probably been sacrificed….As a Phillies lifelongphan, good for Trevor…
He had a good run with the Twins for a few years there.
43 days gets you minimum pension. 1 day gets you full medical. 10 years gets you maximum which is 220k. Minimum is 34k
He’s got a pension already. It starts with 43 days on the active roster.
There’s a major upgrade in pension at year 10 appearing on the active roster, though. I think Plouffe qualifies with one more day on the active roster in 2019. Pretty good incentive to try one more year.
Actually Plouffe wasn’t bad last year in a short stint with the big club, and they moved him all around at AAA.
“with home runs in 291 plate appearances” guy can crush the ball. MiLB MVP! haha.
Can’t upvote from the app, but this definitely deserves it. LOL
Could have sworn I typed that in originally, but alas.
Stupid computers. Cause of an solution to all of life’s problems.
No, Manny Machado is the cause of and solution to all of life’s problems.
Yeh, really….”solid power numbers batting .232 with 13 homers at AAA?
This guy was a regular major league player for over 6 seasons….he should be dominating at AAA not hitting .232 with 13 bombs!
Come on guys who write this stuff…..really!
You can’t just ignore the two numbers in the post that did in fact show he was solid last year.
13 home runs in 291 plate appearances, friendo
Good god why. If you cant find better depth then youre not doing your job
Plouffe is perfect depth. He comes with league minimum salary while bringing MLB proven experience, solid defense at 3B, some positional versatility, and a playable bat. I’m not sure what else you’d look for in a “depth” option?
These people think every singing that isn’t Harper or Machado the signing sucks. Look at the comments for every minor league invite it’s all why did we sign this guy???
It’s funny how he used “good God” like this signing was impactful or something lol
According to baseball refernce, his WAR is only 1.3 behind Harper’s.
His WAR is more than Vlad Jr. jays should trade for him and trade Vlad!
Takes the edge off of missing out on Machado.
Why not? Decent move for depth if he makes the team.
Trevor’s wife and Bryce’s mother have the same hairdresser…..film at 11…..
I’m comencin’ to think a lineup of Deitrich/Maybin/Guyer/Plouffe/Inglasias etc. probably wins more games than the Orioles this year……
I’m really surprised that Any free agent Would sign with Philadelphia. It is such a filthy disgusting Town. The fan base are disgusting as well
Coming from such a bright cheery person as yourself, that must mean alot.
Juggy has clearly never been to Philadelphia or a Phillies game.
You’re a clown
Lol! Funny stuff
I’m a braves fan and as much as I don’t like the phillies. Don’t be that guy. Philadelphia is fine and the people are fine.
I wonder what I’m gonna make for breakfast.
ham cheese and onion omelet
Old, overpriced Shark meat foot-Longo Belt-Buster. Slow down though, eating too fast causes a Little Pudge…
I’m sorry if my comment earlier today came off as crappy toward you. I wasn’t really meaning to dog the Giants either, and could’ve left a couple adjectives out. Enjoy your Friday.
Contract Details Released: 1-year, with a salary of Stupid Money at the MLB level.
His name sounds like a haircut. The Plouffe.
Just like that… Plouff! Manny is gone.