Report: Cuban All-Star Aledmys Díaz moves from the Houston Astros to the Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics have reportedly offered a two-year, $14 million contract to former Houston Astros utility man Aledmys Díaz of Cuba pending physicals.
The Astros preferred to have José Abreu as first baseman for the 2023 Major League Baseball season over Aledmys Díaz, who he chose to become a free agent, and now the player who won the last World Series has left the Houston franchise behind.
Based on a report by Joel Sherman of MLB Network, the Oakland Athletics offered a two-year, $14 million contract to the player born in Santa Clara, Cuba. The team has not confirmed the movement since a medical examination is needed to make it official.
Projections by Baseball Reference for the 2023 MLB season give the 32-year-old an average of .244/.395/.691 with 89 hits and 47 RBIs in 365 at bats.
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Injury-ridden, all-around performer
Injuries were a constant for Díaz during his tenure at Minute Maid Park. With the Astros he played in only 262 games in four years. During that span, the Houston Ninth played in 492 regular-season games.
However, one of the advantages that Díaz offers is that he can play in any position in the infield. In 2022 he played 92 regular season games: 29 times as an outfielder, 22 as a second baseman, 18 as a shortstop, 10 as a third baseman and six as a first baseman. In the remaining seven he appeared as a designated hitter.
Itemized salary
According to Sherman, Díaz will earn $6.5 million in 2023 and $8.5 million in the 2024 season. In addition, the player will have performance incentives that could reach up to $500,000 for each season.