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13 MLB players signed to a minor league contract having a major impact in 2017

By Benjamin Chase

May 17, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Eric Sogard (18) throws to first to put out San Diego Padres second baseman Yangervis Solarte (not pictured) for the last out of the eighth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Eric Sogard (18) throws to first to put out San Diego Padres second baseman Yangervis Solarte (not pictured) for the last out of the eighth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Every offseason a number of excellent MLB players are signed to minor league deals for a number of reasons. Who’s outperformed that minimal investment in 2017 so far?

While many MLB fans are tracking the big free agents in the offseason, there is often work done that flies under the radar where players who are on the cusp of the majors or have been MLB players in the past end up signing a minor league contract. Sometimes that’s due to a lack of interest from big league clubs after a poor previous season. Sometimes it’s due to a flooded market at their position. Sometimes it’s due to injury recovery. Whatever the reason, we’re going to take a look at the guys who signed a minor league deal this offseason and have performed well in MLB this year.

Eric Sogard, IF, Milwaukee Brewers

It’s not often that a player has a career renaissance at 31, enjoying a pace to put up his career-best bWAR, but that’s exactly what Sogard is doing.

Signed by the Brewers this offseason in December, Sogard was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 2nd round of the 2007 draft. After a pair of seasons in the Padres system, he was traded to the Athletics as part of a four-player deal.

Sogard worked his way to a prominent role in the Athletics infield, putting up a solid season in 2013 as the primary second baseman and the primary utility infielder in 2014-2015 before blowing out his knee and missing the 2016 season after surgery.

Sogard has been a life saver for the Brewers this season. He has been the primary utility infielder until he recently took over second base for Jonathan Villar when he was injured.

On the season, Sogard has hit .352/.457/.528 with 10 doubles, 3 home runs, and 2 stolen bases with a 19/16 BB/K ratio. He’s played primarily second base, but he’s also played shortstop, third base, and left field.

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