Jack Cust Signs Minor League Deal with Phillies

A week after he was handed his release by one of the worst teams in the league, Jack Cust has signed on with the best club in baseball.

Cust agreed to a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies today.  The slugger was released by the Mariners in early August after being designated for assignment.

Seattle signed Cust to a 1 year $2.5 million deal this December and made him their primary designated hitter.  The Mariners were hoping for the Cust who hit at a clip of .272/.395/.438 with the A’s in 2010, but instead only got a .673 OPS out of the 32 year old over his 67 games.

Philadelphia may believe Cust could be of some value for the club off the bench down the stretch and during the postseason.  The left hander has a knack for getting on base at a high rate (career .374 OPS) and hit 25 or more home runs from 2007-09.  Cust has also produced a career .849 OPS against right handed pitching.

For more on the Phillies, be sure to check out That Balls Outta Here.