The Colorado Rockies have signed outfielder Ryan Raburn to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Raburn's deal allows him to opt out if he is not going to make the MLB roster for Opening Day with the team.
Raburn will make $1.5 million if he makes the major league roster at the end of March. Raburn is considered to be a "platoon option" as a right-handed hitter off the bench. The Rockies will start Gerardo Parra, Charlie Blackmon and Carlos Gonzalez in the outfield this season. Raburn will be competing for a backup spot with players like Brandon Barnes and Raimel Tapia.
"In the outfield we were relatively thin, as far as our depth," manager Walt Weiss said.
The 34-year-old was previously with the Cleveland Indians and hit .301 with eight home runs in 82 games last season. Raburn had a contract option for $3 million for 2016, but the Indians opted to not pick it up. Raburn can also play positions in the infield and that could give him an advantage as he tries to make the Opening Day roster. All three starting outfielders for the Rockies are right-handed hitters.
"We struggled against left-handers last year - mightily," Weiss said. "Raburn has a great track record, especially against lefties."
Raburn has not played in more than 87 games in the last four seasons, and the last time he was over 100 was back in 2011 with the Detroit Tigers. Raburn is more of a bench player at this point, but he could be a good fit for the Rockies due to his versatility in the field. Raburn can play the outfield as well as first, second and third base.
Raburn was platooned by the Indians last season, and he likely will serve the same role if he makes the roster for the Rockies. Raburn was much better against left-handed pitching over righties, posting 24 extra base hits and eight home runs in 70 games against lefties. The Rockies reportedly considered trades with Gonzalez and Blackmon this offseason, and those names could come up again during the season. Keeping Raburn will give the team some flexibility if trades or injuries happen.
