The Rockies have struck a deal with infielder Chris Owings, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today (Twitter link). It’s a minors pact that would pay at a $1MM rate if the club adds Owings to the MLB roster.
Owings, 28, was once considered a highly promising young player with the Diamondbacks organization. But his offensive numbers dipped and then fell off a table over the years. He was dropped by the Snakes following a rough 2018 season.
Last year wasn’t quite the bounce back that Owings and the Royals hoped for when they hooked up on a one-year pact last winter. He ended up being cut loose and landing with the Boston organization. Over the past two seasons, Owings carries a brutal .180/.248/.275 slash through 505 MLB plate appearances. He did hit much better in his time at Triple-A last year, turning in a .325/.385/.595 batting line with 11 homers in 183 plate appearances at the highest level of the minors.
It’s an easy, low-risk move for the Rockies, who need all the help they can get without committing cash. Owings could compete with Ryan McMahon and Garrett Hampson for opportunities at second base while serving as a reserve all over the field, if he’s able to crack the roster. The chances would increase significantly if the Colorado organization ends up moving a position player via trade.
About time the Rockies sign someone I know. Great deal low key stud
Definitely not a stud…
Definitely not a stud bro
But he’s lit right bro?
*dud
He was just awful in Boston.
One of the worst regulars in MLB over the last decade. No talent, AAAA scrub who deserves to be in Japan or Korea, not MLB.
Not bad, not bad at all. Ain’t great, but it’s a good no-risk depth addition, and his versatility should come in handy if he ever gets the call.
As long as he doesn’t have to hit
Its actually terrible. He’s an awful all-round player. He shouldnt be in MLB.
The delusion of fans….
expecting a much better Rockies offseason next year
ya.. hes apparently the next lou Gehrig from his 11 home runs in the minors, i never understand why comments make it seem like hes this great player, did you read the stats? hes awful
He’s not awful defensively. And that’s all this signing is. They aren’t looking for him to be the cleanup hitter. He’s probably taking Pat Valaika’s place as the utility guy and late inning/blowout defensive replacement.
Yes, he is actually terrible defensively. If youve watched him he’s one of the very worst active players who must have photos of team owners the way he keeps getting contracts.
Career .992 OPS at Coors Field. He might resurrect his career.
Doubt it.
Never doubt the power of Coors Field.
It won’t but that’s definitely the only reason they signed him.
Owings is Arenado replacement when he’s traded
If that is the case, they might as well fold the franchise and let MLB try somewhere else for a 30th team.
The Rockies always seem to end up with former D-Backs prospects and vice versa. I guess it is a product of seeing each other so much and probably scouting each other the most. Still it’s weird to cheer someone you used to boo.
Well they share the same Spring Training facility too so, yes, they get to see a lot of each other.
Owings sure fell off a cliff after an HBP broken finger in 2017. It’s too bad, he looked like he would have a long, promising career.
Rodgers, McMahon, Hampson. The Rockies make it so hard for their young players to get regular playing time.
McMahon has been a regular starter for the past two seasons, albeit at a couple of different positions. Hampson has played poorly, so why should he get more playing time?. Rodgers was the starter, but got hurt. Can’t blame the Rox for that one.
The way I look at it, if they can’t beat out Chris Owings for the job at second, then they don’t deserve it anyway. No one should be handed anything in the big leagues regardless of what Baseball America thinks of them in low A.
Owings isnt a bad signing. he was a good hitter before he fell off a cliff in 2018. could be a good piece if someone can fix his bat.
You might need to raise the bar a little for what you consider a “good hitter” is. Like, how about at least have a 100 OPS+?
He’s going to do better at Coors in my opinion for 1 mill for him there’s no risk
Very handy, versatile player who has done well playing at Coors Field in the past. He could fill in as an infield or outfield replacement. But if he can not hit, he will be gone.
He can NOT hit trust me.
Would be better off signing Micah Owings. Better hitter.
It’s these kinds of moves by Bridich that make me realize that he is a BB genius.
We had Owens last year. Believe me when I tell you that your GM is NO genius !!