The Colorado Rockies and free-agent outfielder Chris Denorfia have agreed to a minor league deal, a source confirmed to Purple Row. FanRag’s Jon Heyman first reported late on Thursday. The deal, while not yet announced by the club, will likely include an invitation to spring training.
Denorfia, 36, last appeared in the majors with the Chicago Cubs in 2015 and owns a career .272/.330/.392 line (103 OPS+) in 10 big league seasons. He spent five of those years with the San Diego Padres, then managed by new Rockies skipper Bud Black. During his time there, Denorfia posted a 108 OPS+ while playing all three outfield positions.
At worst, Denorfia brings to the Rockies a versatile right-handed bat who may compete for a job in spring training and, if he sticks with the organization beyond that, presents a capable depth option as the season wears on.
Denorfia is the second former Padres utility type the Rockies have signed this offseason, joining Alexi Amarista. We’ll see if the Bud Black connection results in anymore low-key free-agent signings—particularly, a guy like ex-Padres starter Tyson Ross, who will miss the start of the season while recovering from an injury but has solid upside.
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