
Number 21
Alexi Amarista: utility Points: 142 Highest Rank: 20 Lowest 28
A 27-year-old six-year veteran is hard to come by. Nether the less, the Rockies acquired one in Alexi Amarista this past offseason. Amarista was not brought to Denver to rake as he is only a .230 career hitter. Amarista’s value rests in his versatility. The Rockies front office gave Amarista $1.1 million to serve as defensive utility man for 2017 with a club option $2.5 million for 2018. Amarista would have to play out his mind in 2017 to earn that club option.
As new manager Bud Black took over the reins, one can wonder how much influence his knowledge of Amarista played to acquiring the veteran. In addition to defensive versatility, Alexi provides the Rockies with a few major benefits. Firstly, Amarista is a natural shortstop, thusly he brings much-needed depth to a thin Colorado infield. Secondly, Alexi is a veteran baserunner that pinch run late in close games.
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Entering the prime of his career, Amarista hit for a career-high .257 average with a .295 OBP in 2016. Perhaps Amarista can only build off of that production now in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field and the reunion with his old manager.