Earlier this afternoon, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported that the Tampa Bay Rays were closing in on signing free agent outfielder, Colby Rasmus. Well, around 7:00 PM EST this evening – Heyman broke the news that the signing was official. The deal is for 1 year at a very cheap $5 million compared to what a healthy full season of Rasmus can provide at the plate and in the field.
Rasmus, 30, has spent the last two years in Houston and made $15.8 million in 2016 in what could be considered an “off year” for the slugger. In 107 games with the ‘Stros, Rasmus hit .206/.286/.355 with a career-low .641 OPS. The left-handed slugger still managed 15 home runs and 54 RBI in that time and was also a finalist for a Gold Glove last year as a left fielder which was arguably the Rays most glaring hole.
The signing fills the huge hole in left field and also provides the Rays depth at DH and CF in the event that Kevin Kiermaier needs days off after the grueling duties of running on the turf at the Trop. He is also coming off a season in which he dealt with surgery to remove a cyst in his ear as well as core and hip issues.
From 2011-2014, Rasmus was with the Toronto Blue Jays and before that began his career in MLB with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2009-2011.
