Jon Jay and the Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks brought back a familiar name last week when they signed Jon Jay to a minor league deal. Invited to Spring Training, he will try to earn a spot with the big-league club.
Terms of Deal
If added to the 40-man roster, he will get $1.5 million and up to $1.75 million in performance and roster bonuses. He also could earn $300,000 for the amount of days on the active roster. If not added to the 40-man roster by March 19, he can request release within 24 hours and sign with any other team.
First Stint in Arizona
Jay originally came to the Diamondbacks in June 2018 from the Kansas City Royals and spent the rest of the season with them. He played all three outfield spots and provided leadership in the clubhouse. Though he hit only .235 in 84 games, he scored 46 runs and was hit by a pitch 15 times.
Veteran Who Has Been Around
Jay made his major league debut in April of 2010 with the St. Louis Cardinals. During his rookie season, he played all three outfield positions. In 105 games he hit .300 with 19 doubles and a .359 on-base percentage. He spent six seasons with the Cardinals, but in a surprise move, he was traded to the San Diego Padres for the 2016 season. On November 29, 2016 he was signed as a free agent by the Chicago Cubs. He played in 141 games and hit .296 for them in one season. The Cubs granted him free agency after the 2017 season, and he moved on to the Royals.
Injury Filled 2019 Season
In 2019, the Chicago White Sox signed him to a one-year, $4 million deal as a solid veteran addition to an outfield group that did not have a lot of experience. However, he played in only 47 games, missing considerable time with a right hip strain. Surgery to repair that hip ended his season in late August.
Challenge to Make the Team
Jon Jay is looking for a bounce-back season after his miserable, injury-riddled 2019. He will turn 35 in March and would accept a reserve role with the Diamondbacks as a pinch hitter/runner and late inning defensive outfield replacement.
Jay fits well with what the Diamondbacks are doing with players who play multiple positions, but he will have a difficult time making the 26-man roster. Both Josh Rojas and Tim Locastro are younger, and both can play all outfield spots. In addition, they’re already on the MLB roster.
Provides Leadership and Playoff Experience
Jon Jay would bring some intangibles to the team. He has a lot of baseball experience and knowledge. He’s popular with teammates and fans. He mentors inexperienced players in the daily routines of long baseball seasons and can provide clubhouse leadership. But one reason the Diamondbacks signed Jay is the 67 games of playoff experience that go along with his 213 at-bats. That experience is key, especially for a team considered to be a playoff contender this season.
Main Photo
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