The Rays made an announcement on Monday regarding their signing of versatile infielder Yu Chang to a contract in the minor leagues. Chang has been invited to participate in the big league camp and will be vying for a spot on manager Kevin Cash’s bench.
This will be Chang’s second time playing for the Rays. In the 2022 season, he played 36 games and achieved a .260/.305/.385 slash line in 105 plate appearances. During that season, Chang played for four different teams, including Tampa Bay. Throughout his MLB career, which spans five campaigns, he has played for Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, and Boston. In his 650 plate appearances at the MLB level, Chang has a batting average of .204/.269/.359.
Chang is not expected to be a significant offensive threat against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers. As a right-handed hitter, he does not have a noticeable platoon split. In fact, he has performed slightly better against right-handed opponents than left-handed opponents throughout his career. Over the past three seasons, Chang has displayed some power with a .167 ISO and 16 home runs in 553 plate appearances. However, this has been accompanied by a low 5.4% walk rate and a high 29.3% strikeout rate.
At 28 years old, Chang has played at all four infield positions throughout his career. He has received relatively equal playing time at each position. Both Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average metrics consider him to be a strong defensive player at second base, shortstop, third base, and first base.
Chang’s presence provides the Rays with infield depth, which is particularly important due to Wander Franco’s uncertain legal situation and Taylor Walls’ recovery from hip surgery. Currently, the team expects Jose Caballero, who was acquired through a trade, to be the primary shortstop. Isaac Paredes will be at third base, Brandon Lowe at second base, and Yandy Diaz at first base. Additionally, the Rays have several exciting young options, such as Jonathan Aranda, Osleivis Basabe, Curtis Mead, and Junior Caminero, who are all part of the 40-man roster and contribute to the ever-changing infield outlook for the team.
According to the Source mlbtraderumors.com