Looking to shore up their suddenly shallow infield, the Rockies on Sunday signed veteran Mike Moustakas to a minor-league deal.
Moustakas, 34, a left-handed hitter, projects as a third baseman/first baseman/designated hitter. With Gold Glove second baseman Brendan Rodgers likely out for the season with a shoulder injury, and with Ryan McMahon moving over from third to second, Moustakas fills a need. He also provides insurance if rookie corner infielder Elehuris Montero fails to produce at the plate or in the field.
But first, Moustakas, who’s attempting a comeback from two years of injuries, has to make the big-league roster. If he doesn’t make it, he faces the prospect of accepting an assignment to Triple-A Albuquerque.
“That’s something we’ll talk about if it happens,” he told MLB.com.
It’s the second time in two days the Rockies have signed a veteran to fill an immediate need. On Saturday, the club signed veteran left-hander Brad Hand to shore up the bullpen after lefty Lucas Gilbreath was slated for Tommy John surgery.
Signing Moustakas is a no-risk move by Colorado.
Moustakas, a three-time All-Star who’s been plagued by injuries in recent years, was released by Cincinnati in January. If he makes Colorado’s roster, the Rockies will only owe him the major league minimum salary. The Reds would be on the hook for the $22 million salary he’s owed after he signed a four-year, $64 million deal with Cincinnati prior to the 2020 season.
Moustakas was slowed by a heel contusion and a calf strain over the past two years in Cincinnati and put up a weak .212/.289/.356 slash line with just 13 home runs.
But he told MLB.com on Sunday that he’s healed up and ready to go.
“I wanted to make sure I was healthy … and find my way back to 100%,” he said. “And about halfway through (rehab), I was like, ‘OK, I’m good to go.'”
Moustakas has hit well at Coors Field in his career, albeit in limited action. In 12 games, he’s slashed .324/.359/.405, but with no home runs.
Prior to his injuries, Moustakas was a solid player for the Royals, Brewers and Reds from 2015-20, slashing .262/.326/.490 with 138 homers. “The Moose,” was a central figure of the Royals’ World Series championship team in 2015.
MLB.com first reported the news.
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