MLB News: Tampa Bay Rays Outbid 3 Others For Asdrubal Cabrera
Asdrubal Cabrera has made his decision in the Major League Baseball (MLB) offseason and the 29-year-old infielder chose the Tampa Bay Rays as his next baseball team. Multiple teams were targeting free agent Cabrera with three other teams namely the Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees reportedly interested in the 29-year-old infielder.
Fox Sports’ John Morosi was one of the first who reported which MLB teams were interested in Cabrera’s services. But as early as Tuesday, others have confirmed including Ken Rosenthal also of Fox Sports, that Cabrera came to a decision of joining the Rays.
Yankees, Royals, Rays, and Blue Jays all have kept in touch with Asdrubal Cabrera's camp.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 29, 2014
Sources: #Rays in agreement with Asdrubal Cabrera, pending physical. — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 30, 2014
According to Rosenthal, the Rays are also open to trading other veteran infielders like Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar with the acquisition of Cabrera. Tampa Bay went 77-85 in the 2014 MLB regular season landing just fourth in the AL East and missing the postseason.
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
Details of the contract were not disclosed by the team but the deal is reportedly just for one year worth around $8 million for the veteran infielder who has played for the Cleveland Indians (2007 to 2014) and the Washington Nationals (2014). Cabrera is a two-time MLB All-Star (2011 and 2012) and an American League (AL) Silver Slugger awardee in 2011.