Diamondbacks sign veteran Gregor Blanco to Minor League deal
Jan 21, 2017, 2:17 PM
San Francisco Giants' Gregor Blanco hits a double in the third inning of Game 2 of baseball's National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The Arizona Diamondbacks added a veteran presence in 33-year-old outfielder Gregor Blanco, signing him to a Minor League contract Tuesday.
The contract would pay him $1 million if he makes it to the big leagues, as well as $2.7 million in other incentives, according to Spotrac.
The left-handed batter will be entering his ninth season in the majors and has played the last five seasons with the San Francisco Giants. He spent the 2008-10 seasons with the Atlanta Braves and Kansas City Royals.
Whether it was starting or coming off the bench, Blanco was a mainstay in San Francisco, as he won two World Series titles as a Giant in 2012 and 2014.
Known more for his glove than his bat, the veteran outfielder was chosen as a member of the 2013 NL Wilson Defensive Players of the Year by finishing the year with a 1.000 fielding percentage with 232 putouts and six assists.
In 2016, Blanco hit .224, while scoring 28 runs and driving in 18 RBIs.
Blanco has a .258 career batting average, along with a .344 on-base percentage, 332 runs, 210 RBIs, 101 stolen bases and 21 home runs. He also is tied for 45th among active players with 33 career triples.
