Matt Diaz signs with New York Yankees – MLB Update
Matt Diaz has signed a Minor League contract with the New York Yankees worth $1.2 million. Not only just $1.2 million, the former Atlanta Braves ace will also earn $800,000 in incentives.
Right fielder Diaz was certainly needed in the Yankees roster as few experienced players had recently left them. Now Yankees outfield depth will increase with Matt Diaz’s inclusion.
His almost nine-year Major League Baseball experience has made him a strong player while his performances have also been quite consistent since his arrival in the league.
“I’m healthy and I feel like I can go to camp and show what I can do, If I can go and do what I do, which is hit lefties and take tough at-bats against them, that’s what the Yankees need and want. It will be a good fit,” said Diaz.
Matt Diaz added, "I’ve been regretting not chasing this angle for more than two years, Ever since then, I thought, ‘Man, I may never get a chance to play for the Yankees.’ Once they came into the picture it was pretty much over in my book."
Diaz’s last season’s performance has also been quite consistent at hitting average of .222 along with two home runs, 13 RBIs and .280 OBP. His career hitting average of .291 along with 45 home runs, 225 RBIs and .339 OBP also is a great record itself.
Before his arrival in the Yankees, the Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was slightly worried as some experience players joined other team as free agents.
They now will play with Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson and Ichiro Suzuki. All these players are experience and know how to play offensively.
Last season, Brett Gardner showed consistent performance and achieved .323 hitting average along with three RBIs and .417 OBP. On the other hand, his career hitting average of .266 along with 15 home runs, 125 RBIs and .355 OBP is also consistent.
Centre fielder Curtis Granderson is another talented player the Yankees have as his past season’s performance has also been quite consistent at .232 hitting average along with 43 home runs, 106 RBIs and .319 OBP.
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