Philadelphia Phillies ink Will Middlebrooks to minor league deal

The Philadelphia Phillies have become the latest team to give Will Middlebrooks a chance, signing him to a minor league contract with some interesting opt outs.

Being a former top prospect means that a team will give a player a multitude of chances, even if they do not always deserve them. The Philadelphia Phillies are the latest team to give Will Middlebrooks such a chance, as the former top prospect was one of ten players that Philadelphia inked to a minor league contract.

It is an interesting contract for the third baseman. Should he make the major league roster, Middlebrooks would earn $1.2 million as his base salary. However, if he finds himself in the minors, Middlebrooks has several opt outs should an opportunity arise for him in Japan, Korea, or Taiwan.

There was a time when Middlebrooks seemed to be a future star. As a rookie in 2012, he posted a solid .288/.325/.509 batting line with 15 homers in 286 plate appearances with the Red Sox. Although the power remained the following year, as he hit 17 homers, Middlebrooks did not have the same prowess with the bat, hitting at a .227/.271/.425 clip. Those numbers are similar to his lifetime batting line of .228/.272/.391, as his power has all but disappeared in the majors.

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The Phillies will also mark Middlebrooks fifth team in the past five years. Since being traded to the Padres, he has had stints with the Brewers and Rangers, failing to establish himself in either place. Now, it is the Phillies turn to see if they can resurrect Middlebrooks’ career.

If not, then it may be time for Middlebrooks to see what opportunities await him elsewhere. Perhaps by heading to Japan or Korea, he will be able to rebuild his value, finding that form he had displayed in his rookie year once again. Maybe he can even parlay success overseas into another chance at the majors, much like Eric Thames was able to do after his stint in Korea.

This may well be his last chance to prove that he can be a major league player. Middlebrooks has performed relatively well in the minors, but has not seen that success translate since his rookie campaign. With the Phillies, he could get a chance as Philadelphia’s backup corner infielder. If not, then that option to head to Asia remains.

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The Philadelphia Phillies are taking a chance on Will Middlebrooks. It may be the last chance he gets in the majors.