First baseman Juan Yepez has agreed to a minor league deal, per Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
Yepez, 26 in February, was recently non-tendered by the Cardinals after a disappointing 2023 season, but posted strong results in the two prior campaigns. In 2021, Yepez split his time between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting 27 home runs in 111 games. He also walked in 11.8% of his plate appearances, leading to a combined batting line of .286/.383/.586 and a wRC+ of 154.
In 2022, he was moved between Triple-A and the majors, performing well at both levels. He hit 16 homers in 50 Triple-A games and slashed .277/.341/.580 for a wRC+ of 137. In the big leagues, he hit 12 home runs in 76 games, producing a line of .253/.296/.447 and wRC+ of 107. He also hit a pinch-hit two-run home run in the first game of the Wild Card series against the Phillies, though the Cards ended up losing both that game and the series.
In 2023, he hit just .183/.246/.300 in 28 major league games and spent most of the season on optional assignment. But he didn’t thrive in Triple-A either, hitting .255/.323/.413 in his 86 games at that level for a wRC+ of 82.
Even if Yepez had been performing well, it would have been tough for the Cards to find a spot for him. He has played some third base in the past but not in 2023, primarily lining up at first base and the outfield corners. Since St. Louis has Paul Goldschmidt at first and a surplus of outfield options, he had a tough hill to climb in finding playing time there.
The Nationals, however, should be a much better fit for him. Dominic Smith was the primary first baseman for that club in 2023 but he was also non-tendered and is currently a free agent. Joey Meneses could be in line for a regular role there but he can also play the outfield and the Nats don’t have anyone strictly locked into the designated hitter slot. Even in the outfield, Victor Robles is heading into his final arbitration season before reaching free agency while Lane Thomas is just two years from the open market, though prospects like James Wood and Dylan Crews should be factors in the near future.
If Yepez can hit his way back to a roster spot, he still as one option year remaining and barely a year of service time. That means the Nats could retain him for multiple seasons if he ends up clicking with them.
AWESOME MOVE. Him and Stone Garett will combine for a 130 wRC+
People been waiting for Juan to move all month!
Yepez can’t play defense. He’s terrible at corner outfield. He’s terrible at 1b. He’s just terrible on defense. He does have some offensive potential.
Love this move for the Nats
*cheers sarcastically
Dude can hit
Surprised Yepez agreed this early to a minor league deal. Presumably he’s got opt outs if he’s not added to the big league roster.
I have a feeling he will join the ones that got away list. That is growing in Cardinal country!
I doubt it. He had opportunities at the big league level.
I beg to differ. But he will in DC.
Beg all you want, but he had his fair share of playing time. He has potential as a DH and that is about it.
Good move by the Nats. I wish him the best.
disappointed the brewers didnt go after him… seemed to be a good fit and who wouldnt love to play their old team 13 times per season?
Why not take a shot in a minor league deal? At one time he had a lot of promise in STL.
If he gets consistent at bats he can rake. Defensively, he leaves a lot to be desired…
A LOT to be desired.
Sounds like a DH to me. I’m okay with Meneses at first, or let Joey play the outfield if they can find a lefty for 1B.
Pretty much a one tool player but he is pretty good at that tool!
Reminds me of an old Paul Simon song:
He’s a one trick pony
One trick is all that horse can do
He’s a one trick pony
It’s the principal source of his revenue
But when he steps into the spotlight
You can feel the heat of his heart
Come rising through
Intriguing pop and a team like the Nats that aren’t really a contender can afford to give him 500 AB’s to see what he can do
Yes I agree!!
Pujols mentored the kid then he was kicked to the curb.
Smart signing.
Great move. If he regains his hitting a 1B young enough to be part of future. If not little lost on minor league contract.