Baltimore Orioles Minors Monday: Reacting to the Alex Presley signing

Per reports from several media sources, the Baltimore Orioles have signed right fielder Alex Presley to a minor league deal.

The newest addition to the Baltimore Orioles minor league system will also have an invitation to spring training.

Presley is a 32-year-old, left-handed hitter, with some real speed on the base paths and in the field.

The numbers on Presley

When it comes to hitting, he’s no J.D. Martinez or Carlos Gonzalez, but he’s not awful. He’s not great by any means, but he’s got hustle and heart when it comes to getting the job done. He recorded a -0.2 WAR, but in 264 plate appearances, he did record a batting slash of .314/.354/.416.

There is occasionally some power in the bat, but his real strength is his speed. Even though he only recorded five stolen bases with the Detroit Tigers in 2017, he was responsible for seven percent of the team’s total. He also hit three triples and 10 doubles.

Where he’s played

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Presley has played with several teams including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, Houston Astros, and Milwaukee Brewers. He’s never been a full-time player, but he’s always been ready to go when needed. The Orioles do not have currently have a full-time right fielder. On the website, the right-field depth chart includes Mark Trumbo, Austin Hays, and Joey Rickard.

Speaking of Rickard, Presley and Rickard are rather similar (other than the fact that Presley is a left-handed hitter). The two could be an interesting platoon in right field. Of course, there won’t be many home runs hit, but the two can get on base and with help from the rest of the squad, can get around to score runs. Rickard is a better defensive player than Presley, who at least in 2017, was a better offensive player.

Next: Reacting to the Andrew Cashner signing

There are still some better right-fielders available in free agency. Carlos Gonzalez is one such player, who could be a full-time outfielder and he bats from the left. Cameron Maybin is also available. Even though he doesn’t bat from the left, he’s a fun outfielder to watch on a daily basis and he could platoon with the current squad. And, of course, there is still J.D. Martinez. Signing a player like him would really stick it to the Boston Red Sox and provide a little extra power to help Adam Jones get that ring he’s craving.