The Rockies have signed first baseman Yonder Alonso to a minor league contract, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. Alonso unofficially announced the move himself earlier today on his Instagram page, and debuted tonight for the Rockies’ Triple-A affiliate.
Alonso was released by the White Sox last week, bringing to end a short and disappointing tenure for the 32-year-old in the Windy City. Alonso was acquired in a trade from the Indians last December, with Chicago somewhat surprisingly agreeing to take on all of the $8MM owed to the first baseman in 2019, plus the $9MM club option ($1MM buyout) on his services for 2020. At the time, much of the speculation focused on Alonso as a possible harbinger of a Manny Machado (Alonso’s brother-in-law) signing for the Sox, though Machado’s eventual decision to join the Padres got Alonso’s time with the Pale Hose off to something of an awkward start.
After a big 2017 season, Alonso was a slightly below-average offensive producer in 2018 (97 wRC+, 97 OPS+) and his bat went ice-cold in a White Sox uniform. The veteran hit just .178/.275/.301 with seven homers over 251 plate appearances, putting him on pace for what would be easily the worst full-season performance of his ten years in the majors. While his expected outcomes (xBA, xSLG, xwOBA) significantly outpaced his real-world numbers, his expected slash line of .235/.376/.311 was also far from impressive.
That 2017 performance was generated largely by Alonso retooling his swing to become an extreme fly-ball hitter, and though his ability to keep the ball in the air has diminished over the last two years, the Rockies are undoubtedly intrigued by what a revived Alonso could potentially do in the thin air at Coors Field. Since the White Sox are covering Alonso’s salary (minus the prorated MLB minimum if Alonso makes the big league roster), there’s no risk for Colorado in seeing if a change of scenery will get Alonso on track.
The Rockies already have another left-handed hitter in Daniel Murphy holding down the first base, so without a DH spot in the National League, Alonso would likely be limited to bench duty if he did crack the 25-man roster. It’s worth noting that the Rox had some mild interest in Edwin Encarnacion prior to the slugger’s trade to the Yankees last month, so Colorado gave at least some vague thought to shifting Murphy back to second base. Such move might have only been seriously considered to accommodate a player in the midst of a strong season like Encarnacion, however, rather than a struggling veteran like Alonso.
That 2008 draft wasn’t very good… apart from posey and hosmer
Quite a few gens in that draft
Kimbrel blackmon and hand are some
At the top it was pretty weak, but it had a bit of depth. But yes, it was far from the strongest draft in history.
Ugh
So Machado is next then, right?!?
gotta trade for jon jay first
Just trade for Justin Smoake already
About a year too late.
⚠️ Breaking News: Machado traded to Rockies for Brendan Rodgers and more!!!⚠️⚠️
Why would the Rockies want Machado when they already have someone better at third? And at shortstop for that matter.
Because he’s not?
Machado’s road numbers far superior. But congrats on Arenado’s slight improvement away from Coors.
Daniel Murphy might be done
Well the Yankee gold dust isn’t working on Edwin.
Too many late nights?
I called this one. I seriously doubt he is going to supplant Murphy, but this could be the end of the line for Mark Reynolds. Reynolds has just not been good this year.
Well, bon voyage Alonso. Really, a terrific gentleman and a good person on and off the field. As soon as the cameras get on him for an interview you’ll see a guy who fares well both in enthusiasm and professionalism. We saw some great defense and good intensity from him, but he needs to somehow break out of the infield shifts that are slaying his at bats.
I completely agree with your assessment of Alonso’s personality. However it wasn’t just hitting into shifts. He had mostly weak contact.
I hope Alonso turns it around with Colorado.
contrary to what league wide stats might indicate, some hitters don’t feel comfortable at Coors field.. Murph might just be such a case, I really don’t think his story is over and there might be a serious contender out there who wants his bat, which is where YA might make sense in stepping in at 1B, because his bat still looks spry enough, he’s just not making good, if any, contact. Man I just typed a lot considering I don’t necessarily care that much
Alonso will probably do well with the Rockies
The Rockies searched near and over yonder before making this move.
Mark Reynolds gave the Rockies the best year he had a couple years ago, but he just doesn’t have it anymore. Wish he could get a couple more HR’s to make his 300 career number. With McMahon, Hampson and Rodgers waiting in the wings and seemingly ready, it was a good gamble to let DJ go in FA. However, no one expected they would all fail to hit, although, with regular play, McMahon is slowly getting there. No one would have believed Murphy would fail to hit for power at Coors, but it was predictable that he would be less than adequate at first base. Defense has never been his strong suit. Shuffling the players around or letting Murphy go in a trade might justify getting Alonso. At least he can field the position. But as everyone knows, the desperate need for pitching in the rotation and the bullpen overshadows any adjustments that might be made defensively.
Reynolds is finished, if Rockies are going to playoffs, need to trade for a starter.
I’m shocked he was picked up so soon. He was unbearable on the South Side. Felt like every other at-bat he would ground into a double play and kill our rallies to score.
Oh well, seemed like a good guy and all-around great teammate but I’m glad those at-bats will be going to someone else now.
On a somewhat related note, A.J. Reed has looked pretty good in his place.