Major League Baseball

Tampa Bay Rays Sign Rickie Weeks to Minor League Contract

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:29 p.m. ET

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Fansided, David Hill/FanSided via Rays Colored Glasses

He may not be the answer at second base, but the Tampa Bay Rays made an interesting signing with Rickie Weeks.

The Tampa Bay Rays have been looking for reinforcements at second base over the past week. In addition, they have sought a right handed bat to help balance the lineup. With both scenarios in mind, the Rays made an interesting signing yesterday, inking Rickie Weeks to a minor league deal.

Weeks is certainly no longer the player he had been during his heyday with the Brewers, he could still be a useful piece in Tampa Bay. Last season, in 205 plate appearances, Weeks had a decent .239/.327/.450 batting line, hitting nine home runs and stealing five bases.

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Although he was primarily a second baseman with the Brewers, he has not played in the infield since 2014. Over the past two years, with the Mariners and the Diamondbacks, he has been an outfielder, making most of his appearances in left.

This does give him a bit more value with the Rays. Not only could he potentially fill in at second in the future, but he could be a backup in both corner outfield positions, in addition to potentially slotting in at first. However, Weeks has been a bit of a defensive liability in his career, regardless of the position.

Yet, on a minor league contract, Weeks is worth a look. He could become a useful utility player, perhaps along the lines of Nick Franklin in regards to being able to slot anywhere on the diamond. He may no longer be an All Star caliber player, but he still has a chance to be a solid bench option in Tampa Bay.

Rickie Weeks is heading to the Tampa Bay Rays on a minor league contract. If he can be another utility player with a bit of pop, he could prove to be a bargain.

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