Rockies sign Moustakas to minors deal
The Colorado Rockies signed veteran third baseman Mike Moustakas to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training, the team announced Sunday.
Moustakas, 34, was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds earlier this offseason heading into the final season of his four-year, $64-million contract. He had $22 million remaining on his deal.
"You've got to wait it out - and I finally got the opportunity and jumped all over it," Moustakas told Thomas Harding of MLB.com. "So it's great to be here. I'm excited the Rockies gave me this opportunity. I'm fired up."
The veteran infielder struggled over the past two seasons, hitting .211/.289/.356 with 13 homers and two stolen bases over 140 games while missing time due to calf injuries. While predominantly playing third base, he has shifted across the diamond to first more often lately.
The three-time All-Star has played a dozen seasons in the majors, including eight with the Kansas City Royals, where he memorably helped lead the team to the 2015 World Series championship. He possesses a .743 OPS (98 OPS+) for his career.
The addition comes in the wake of a shoulder injury to middle infielder Brendan Rodgers, which could cause Ryan McMahon to shift over to second base and put rookie Nolan Jones at the hot corner. Moustakas also played some second base with the Reds, although he said Sunday that won't be happening in Colorado, according to Harding.
Colorado currently has C.J. Cron at first base, with some options for its DH spot.