Report: D-backs likely out on OF Shin-Soo Choo
The annual Winter Meetings are underway in Orlando, and one of the busiest and most aggressive teams at the gathering has been the Arizona Diamondbacks.
But after trading for slugger Mark Trumbo on Tuesday, the D-backs are likely out of the Shin-Soo Choo sweepstakes.
The Diamondbacks had been linked to the free agent, who would be a solid addition at the top of Arizona’s lineup. But after trading for Trumbo, many of the D-backs’ available resources will likely be dedicated toward acquiring a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher.
Source: #DBacks likely out on Choo but still discussing. Next move: Front-line starting pitcher.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 10, 2013
Choo, a 31-year-old free agent outfielder, spent 2013 with the Cincinnati Reds and enjoyed a very solid season, batting .285 with 21 home runs and 54 RBI. He scored 107 runs while posting a .423 on-base percentage, which both ranked second in the National League.
He finished 12th in the National League MVP balloting.
If the Diamondbacks were to acquire Choo, it would cost them a pretty penny. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Choo would command a deal in excess of $100 million, which would make him the highest-paid player in team history.
