The Orioles are re-signing utilityman Stevie Wilkerson to a minor-league contract, reports Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. He’ll receive an invitation to spring training.
The 28-year-old (29 in January) saw rather extensive action for Baltimore between 2018-19. Across those two seasons, he took 410 plate appearances and put together a .219/.279/.365 line with ten home runs. Lackluster offensive showing aside, Wilkerson found his way into the lineup thanks to his defensive versatility. He logged the majority of his action in center field, but he also picked up multiple starts at second and third base and in the corner outfield. Wilkerson even pitched four times in mop-up duty.
Outrighted off the O’s 40-man roster last offseason, Wilkerson still received an invitation to Summer Camp. Unfortunately, he broke his left ring finger during workouts and didn’t get into a game. He’ll look to play his way back into the mix next spring.
I’m simply going to call him Steve.
That is the one thing I love about this team. Almost all of the guys called “vets” are only in their late twenties. It’s not like the Giants where fans will say their “young core” are guys in their early 30’s.
Plus, Steve should be re-signed just for the play he made a few years ago.
Huh? When have Giants said their core is young? That is a weird out of left field comment.
But think about it – even guys who can’t hit like Wilkerson were all the best players on their high school and/or college teams or they wouldn’t have been drafted. It’s got to be a cold slap in the face when you get to the majors with the greatest in the world.
No one can shed any tears for this guy. Keeps going like this and he will qualify for a.pension and in the meantime make millions playing a game. Not too shabby.
The Big Ticket Free Agency Period has begun!!!!!
Good guy to have around…perfect 26th man. And unlike many of those so-called “super utility types”, the glove actually plays across multiple positions.
Well he’s the perfect backup to the backup to the backup option for the 26th man. But good for Stevie getting another contract. Seems like a guy you’ll see coaching once he has to hang it up.
Print the World Series Tickets!
Good move
Can’t have too many .219 hitters.
I bet you he won’t hit, aside from the fact that he can’t, because he’s being signed as an relief pitcher.
Chris Davis dreams of hitting .219
I can’t call a grown man “Stevie” unless it’s Stevie Wonder…
Stevie Ray Vaughan ?
Forgot about him. My mistake
Great signing for the Orioles. He is better than Vasquez that is for sure.