Updated: On the heals of news that the Rays decided to exercise the $6.5MM option on outfielder David DeJesus, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times writes they have agreed to a new two-year contract that will cover the 2014-15 seasons, including a club option for the 2016 season. The terms of the contract are unknown.
DeJesus, 33, batted .260 BA/.328 OBP/.413 SLG/.751 OPS in 35 games (117 plate appearances) with the Rays in 2013, adding three more hits in the playoffs as the Rays advanced to the ALDS — DeJesus’ first postseason experience of his career. He posted an overall .251 BA/.327 OBP/.402 SLG/.729 OBP on the season, while playing solid defense in all three outfield positions (per UZR). Though he’s hitting a ghastly .162 BA/.248 OBP/.207 SLG/.455 OPS against LHP (dating back to 2011), he’s done very well against right-handed pitchers, slashing .274 BA/.356 OBP/.441 SLG/.797 OPS in 1,068 plate appearances.
The move brings into question Matt Joyce’s future with the Rays.