Colorado Rockies sign Dante Bichette Jr to minor league contract
Former New York Yankees prospect Dante Bichette Jr has signed with the Colorado Rockies on a minor league contract.
In the early days of the Colorado Rockies, Dante Bichette had been a key part of their lineup. Proving that virtually anyone could become an offensive force in the thin air of Coors Field, Bichette saw his career take off. He was a four time All Star and finished as high as second in the MVP vote, doing so in 1995. Overall with the Rockies, Bichette produced a .316/.352/.540 batting line, hitting 201 homers and stealing 105 bases.
Now, the Rockies are looking to have lightning strike for a second time. They have signed former New York Yankees first round draft pick Dante Bichette Jr. to a minor league deal, in hopes that his career can take off in their organization. After all, that worked for his father, so why not the son?
3B Dante Bichette Jr., former #Yankees prospect, has signed a straight Minor League contract with the #Rockies. Reported by Pinstripe Prospects, confirmed by his father, former #Rockies star Dante Bichette
— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) December 23, 2017
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Bichette has never lived up to his lofty draft status. Drafted with the 51st overall pick in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft, Bichette quickly rose through the Yankees ranks, reaching the AA Trenton Thunder in 2014. However, he was unable to progress from that level, spending most of the last four seasons in AA. During that time, Bichette has posted a .242/.322/.349 batting line, hitting just 16 homers and 41 doubles.
With Nolan Arenado occupying the hot corner for the Rockies for the foreseeable future, it is unlikely that Bichette will see time in the majors. However, given his draft status and bloodlines, there is no harm in seeing if he can rediscover the form that once made him a high draft pick.
On a minor league deal, it is certainly worth a chance. Bichette is still just 25 years old, giving him ample time to find his way once more. Perhaps a different coaching staff and vantage point will lead to success, even if his path to the majors is blocked in Colorado.
The Colorado Rockies have gone back to their roots, signing Dante Bichette Jr to a minor league contract. Although he may never have a career like his father, the former first round pick is worth a look.