Tampa Bay Rays acquire Jeremy Hazelbaker from Arizona Diamondbacks
The Tampa Bay Rays have improved their outfield depth, as they have acquired outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
It is no secret that the Tampa Bay Rays could use some outfield depth. As the major league roster is currently composed, Mallex Smith, Kevin Kiermaier, and Carlos Gomez are in the lineup virtually every day, with Denard Span the only other true outfielder on the roster. Rob Refsnyder is listed as an option for left field, but that may be more of an emergency than anything the Rays actually want to see to start the game.
Given that lack of viable outfield depth on the major league roster, the Rays have made a deal, acquiring Jeremy Hazelbaker from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for the well traveled Cash Considerations. Hazelbaker will head to the AAA Durham Bulls to start his time in the Rays organization. To make room for the outfielder on the 40 man roster, Jose De Leon was transferred to the 60 day DL.
At this time two years ago, it would have been unthinkable that Hazelbaker would have been part of such a minor deal. He was the talk of baseball, a minor league free agent that earned a spot in Spring Training. He came out hot, posting an excellent .317/.357/.683 batting line with four doubles and five home runs during the month of April. Hazelbaker looked like the classic late bloomer, and a player that could be a solid piece for the Cardinals.
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However, Hazelbaker could not continue that hot start. He cooled off dramatically, ending the year with a .235/.295/.480 batting line, hitting 12 homers and stealing five bases. At the end of the year, he was placed on waivers, where he was claimed by the Diamondbacks. Hazelbaker spent most of 2017 in the minors again, although he performed well when called up to the majors. In his 61 plate appearances, Hazelbaker had a .346/.443/.577 batting line, hitting two doubles and two homers.
While his production in small sample sizes is decent, Hazelbaker’s best asset for the Rays may be his versatility. He is capable of playing anywhere in the outfield, having logged time at all three positions. Although he may never be confused for a future Gold Glove winner, Hazelbaker has been solid at each spot, providing excellent depth.
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Jreemy Hazelbaker is not likely to be a key part of the Tampa Bay Rays success this season, but he is a solid depth option. His acquisition was well worth the price.