TODAY: Newman re-signed with the Diamondbacks on a new minors deal, and was in the lineup for Triple-A Reno yesterday.
MARCH 27: Infielder Kevin Newman opted out of his minor league contract with the Diamondbacks, reports Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. He’s now a free agent and free to sign with any club in need of some infield depth.
Newman, 30, spent the 2023 season with the Reds and posted a .253/.311/.364 batting line in 253 plate appearances while shortstop, second base and third base. He’s spent the other five seasons of his career with the Pirates, who selected him 19th overall back in 2015. He had the look of a potential big league regular back in 2019 when he hit .308/.353/.446 in 130 games, but that’s the only productive season of the former top prospect’s big league career to date. On the whole, he’s a .259/.304/.358 hitter who’s drawn mixed reviews for his glovework at shortstop and moved more into a utility role in recent seasons.
Those may be unappealing numbers overall, but the right-handed-hitting Newman is a solid .279/.336/.395 hitter against lefties to this point in his career. Paired with above-average speed and some defensive versatility, that could be enough to garner interest for clubs seeking some right-handed infield depth to round out their bench (or to stash in the upper minors).
On paper, there was a potential path to a bench spot for Newman in Arizona. Eugenio Suarez, Geraldo Perdomo and Ketel Marte are lined up at third base, shortstop and second base, respectively, but the bench options are more suspect. Veteran Jace Peterson has an infield/outfield role locked down because of his on-base skills, defense at third base, and his contract. Newman could’ve been a right-handed complement to the lefty-swinging Peterson, but it seems the Snakes will stick with out-of-options Emmanuel Rivera and perhaps prospect Blaze Alexander instead.
Guess they’ll be looking for a new man down there.
*slaps knee*
Hear me and hear me well. The day will come. Oh, yes. Mark my words, Snakes. Your day of reckoning is coming. When an evil wind will blow through your little play world, and wipe that smug smile off your face. And I’ll be there, in all my glory, watching. Watching as it all comes crumbling down.
NEWMAN!
Hello, JERRY…
not to be confused with Randy Newman
Nice game, pretty boy.
i’m just guessing but I bet he is the soon-to-be 26th man on the Reds roster
Was thinking the same thing. Although Krall said they were looking for an outfielder but they could always shuffle guys. Would also like to see them sign Pham or Solano.
the Reds still haven’t completed their roster, so Pham may be a possibility
I honestly don’t want so see any of the mentioned return.
It’s official, it’s Bubba Thompson.
it that officially from you or the Reds? I still don’t see the final 26 man roster
Go to their MLB SITE and look at their transactions. Also, Lance McAlister posted it.
thank you very much
You’re welcome!
Pham to the Reds makes too much sense. About two or three weeks ago there was a rumor going around that Pham was about to sign with the Padres, before multiple injuries. Can’t imagine a 35 year old outfielder who’s clock is ticking wanting to sign with the Padres over the Reds. The Padres will put Pham into retirement while the Reds may buy him 2 more years.
Also Reds could bring Newman back, but he probably has a sour taste in his mouth after his September release. He actually played very decent before he got injured but was released because at that time the Reds lead the world in healthy infield prospects.
Well that’s underwhelming. It would have been more exciting to see what Hurtubise can do but they might want him getting regular reps in AAA.
I would rather have Solano. They probably should have signed him before making a trade.
It is not REALLY final until tomorrow afternoon, though. But I doubt it changes with this front office until someone falls on their face, and maybe not even then.
Yeah I don’t know why they wouldn’t go with Donny Barrels for $2-5 million.
Solano would have been a good signing as a bench bat for the 26th spot. But Espinal was a key pickup – after Marte’s suspension and McLain’s injury they had no backup at SS behind EDLC.
Blaze Alexander out played Newman, Rivera, and Lawler (and now Lawler is injured) for the infield utility role. And then Rule 5 loss Devysion de Los Santos came back to the Dbacks. So, no need to find a replacement. Dbacks are set.
Bring him back to Pittsburgh. He’s a clear upgrade over Alika Williams as a backup.
My thoughts exactly
Newman getting a new contract.