MiLB: Minor-league signings amongst MLB free agent frenzy
By Eric Treuden
With MLB free agency in full swing, there have been a large amount of under the radar minor-league deals signed around the league as well. Let’s take a look at some of the players who have found new homes through MiLB deals.
MiLB deal: Miami Marlins sign OF Roman Quinn
Roman Quinn, longtime Philadelphia Phillie, has officially found a new home with the Miami Marlins per Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald. Quinn, 28, is a switch-hitting center fielder who is amongst the fastest players in the game. While his power numbers are not high, his skillset consists of his contact abilities and speed on the basepaths. He has a real shot to replace Monte Harrison on the big league roster if he continues to falter.
MiLB deal: Detroit Tigers sign RHP Miguel Diaz
Right-handed pitcher Miguel Diaz has signed a minor-league deal with the Detroit Tigers per MLB insider Jon Heyman and Evan Petzold of Detroit Free Press. Diaz, 27, is a former Rule 5 Draft pick of the San Diego Padres, where he has spent the last four seasons of his career. He is capable of starting or relieving and looked solid last year for the Friars. In 42 innings (25 games, two starts), Diaz struck out 46 batters while walking just 19. His home runs allowed are higher than one would like them to be, so he will have to improve on that if he is to crack the big leagues in Detroit.
MiLB deal: Atlanta Braves sign C Chadwick Tromp and RHP Brandon Brennan
Per Jon Heyman, the Atlanta Braves are bringing back catcher Chadwick Tromp on a minors deal. The 26-year old backstop joined the Braves organization in September of this past season via waiver claim from the Giants, electing minor-league free agency at season’s end. He has just 33 games and 82 plate appearances under his belt in the big leagues but he managed to hit five home runs in his brief big league cameo. The path to the majors for Tromp is a difficult one, as he is currently blocked by Travis d’Arnaud, Manny Pina, and William Contreras on the organizational depth chart.
30-year old relief pitcher Brandon Brennan is also joining the Braves organization, per Chris Harris on Twitter, the Braves’ Double-A affiliate’s broadcaster. Brennan is just two years removed from a solid showing out of the Mariners’ bullpen as a Rule 5 Draft pick back in 2019. He will add to the club’s bullpen depth in the minor leagues.
MiLB deal: Colorado Rockies sign OF Scott Schebler
Per the almighty Ken Rosenthal, the Colorado Rockies are bringing aboard slugging outfielder Scott Schebler on a minor-league contract. Schebler, 31, is a veteran of seven seasons in the big leagues, most recently with the Los Angeles Angels. His best seasons came in 2017 and 2018 with the Reds when he was an everyday outfielder, hitting 30 and 17 home runs respectively. His sweet left-handed swing would fit nicely in Coors Field so it’s not outrageous to think that he could crack the big league roster this season.
MiLB deal: Los Angeles Angels sign RHP Kyle Barraclough
Per MiLB transactions on Twitter (a page that uses club’s transaction logs on MLB.com), veteran righty Kyle Barraclough is joining the Los Angeles Angels organization on a minor-league contract. Barrclough is a six-year veteran who was once a highly respected bullpen presence on the Miami Marlins. After bouncing around from Miami to Washington to San Francisco to Minnesota, Barraclough is now a member of the Los Angeles Angels organization where he will look to grab a spot in their bullpen for 2022.
Next. Colorado Rockies to sign Jose Iglesias. dark
Other noteworthy minor-league signings around the league include the Twins signing RHP Juan Minaya, the Athletics signing RHP Parker Markel, the Dodgers signing RHP Reyes Moronta, the Marlins signing RHP Jimmy Yacabonis, the Red Sox signing LHP Thomas Pannone, the Mariners signing RHPs Braden Shipley and Matt Koch, and the Rays signing C Joe Hudson.