Ranger Signs Matt Duffy Again
Matt Duffy re-signed with the Rangers on a new minor league contract after opting out of his last one a few days prior, according to his MLB.com player page. Triple-A Round Rock was his designated location.
The high standard that Duffy set for himself during his rookie season with the Giants is something he has never been able to meet. That season, he hit.295/.334/.428 with 12 home runs and 12 stolen bases, good for runner-up status in the 2015 NL Rookie of the Year. Nevertheless, he enjoyed a few successful seasons from 2016 to 2021. In order to make up for his lack of power, the right-handed hitter utilized his above-average contact abilities, putting up a.708 OPS and 98 wRC+ over 366 games. At all four infield spots, he also held his own.
Sadly, Duffy’s situation has gotten worse for the past two seasons. He played for the Royals in 2023 and the Angels in 2022, posting equally pitiful offensive totals in both seasons. Although the veteran can still field all three bases competently, his limited bat power hasn’t nearly been compensated for by his versatility. Due to his persistent struggles at the plate this spring, Duffy was not given a job offer by the World Series champions to be on their Opening Day roster. Fellow NRI Jared Walsh took the slot he may have deserved; Walsh also had a difficult couple of years in 2022 and ’23, but he outscored Duffy this spring by a considerable margin.
Duffy will now be answering to Triple-A. Nathaniel Lowe, the first baseman, is already on the injured list, so Duffy gives Texas some additional depth in case another infield player gets hurt. His versatility and plenty of MLB experience may make him one of the Rangers’ first call-up players. Still, if he hopes to return to the majors, he needs to get back to hitting at Round Rock.
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