The Tampa Bay Rays made an interesting signing before the end of 2014, inking former Cleveland Indian and Washington National infielder Asdrubal Cabrera to a one-year deal worth roughly $8 million.
Sources: #Rays in agreement with Asdrubal Cabrera, pending physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 30, 2014
Getting Asdrubal Cabrera on 1-yr deal (hear in $8M range) is strong/affordable get by #Rays. Gives flexibility on roster and with trades
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 30, 2014
The 29-year old Cabrera had a solid year split between Cleveland and Washington in 2014, hitting .241/.307/.387 with 24 homers and ten stolen bases. Cabrera was the Indians’ primary shortstop over the past six years, but did receive some regular playing time at second base early during his tenure with the club. After being acquired by the Nationals prior to July’s trade deadline, he took over as the team’s every day second baseman due to the struggles of Danny Espinosa.
However, the Rays already have a middle infield combination. Yunel Escobar is plugged in at short, and Ben Zobrist is at second base. Tampa Bay would likely receive a lot more trade interest in the versatile Zobrist than they would in Escobar, but either would be a worthy upgrade for a team desperately needing help up the middle.
The Rays don’t necessarily *need* to make a trade, but bringing in a player like Cabrera seems to indicate that either Escobar or Zobrist will be playing elsewhere in 2015. Cabrera won’t set the world on fire, but he’ll effectively plug a hole created by a trade this season.
