According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Arizona Diamondbacks and infielder Wilmer Flores have agreed to a one-year deal worth $4.25 million. The deal also includes a club option for the 2020 season which is worth $6 million.
Wilmer Flores Agrees to One-Year Deal with Diamondbacks
Flores, a New York Mets fan favorite, spent six seasons in orange and blue before being non-tendered by the club in December. Flores first joined the Mets in 2013, as a shortstop. In 27 games his rookie year, he posted a .542 OPS.
He finally received regular playing time in 2015, and in 137 games he hit 22 doubles, 16 home runs, and posted a .263/.295/.408 slash line though he struggled defensively. He past three seasons, Flores has split time between at first, second, and third base.
However, he has produced solid offensive numbers with the limited playtime. In 2017, Flores pasted a career high .795 OPS and 18 home runs in 110 games. Over 126 games last season, the 27-year old hit .267/.319/.417 with 25 doubles and 11 home runs.
What He Brings to the Diamondbacks
One of the big things Flores has been known for over his career, is his dominance of left-handed pitching. In 573 plate appearances against southpaws, Flores has a .780 OPS with 26 home runs.
He also has been known for having a flair for the dramatics. If you remember, it was Flores who hit the walk-off a couple of years ago just a day after being “traded” to the Brewers. And last season “Walk-Off Wilmer” officially set the Mets franchise record with 11 walk-off hits.
Flores figures to be in for a breakout season offensively in the hitter friendly confines of Chase Field. He has received more than 500 plate appearances just one season in his career. With regular playing time, Flores certainly seems like a guy who could produce some big offensive numbers at the plate.
The biggest problem for the Diamondbacks will be finding a home for Flores in the field. His career defensive numbers aren’t pretty, and he is probably best suited for first base. IF they can find a home for Flores and give him regular playtime, this will likely be an absolute steal for the Diamondbacks.
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