David DeJesus, Rays Reach Agreement on Two-Year Deal

After exercising an option on David DeJesus on Sunday the Tampa Bay Rays went a step farther today when it was announced they had reached an agreement on a two-year deal with David DeJesus that will cover the 2014-15 seasons and include a club option for 2016, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times (on Twitter).

DeJesus batted .260/.328/.413 in 35 games (117 plate appearances) with the Rays, adding three more hits in the playoffs as the Rays advanced to the ALDS — the first postseason experience of DeJesus’ career.

The Rays have long coveted DeJesus and claimed him off waivers form the Washington Nationals in August. The Nationals ultimately acquired lefty Matthew Spann from the Rays in exchange for DeJesus

The opportunity to keep him around for two more years was too good to pass up. DeJesus fits the Rays model of a player who can play in multiple positions, all three outfield positions and offers some flexibility at DH for the team.

It is likely he will become the teams left-fielder against right handers and could put Matt Joyce‘s position on the team in jeopardy who could become a trade candidate or non-tender candidate. Joyce is project to make $3.7 million in 2014.

Rays News and Notes:

The team exercised  the options on Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar on Saturday. They will earn $7 million and $5 million next season, respectively.

Zobrist, 32, hit .275/.354/.402 (113 OPS+) with 12 home runs and 11 stolen bases while seeing time at five positions in 2013 and hold another option on him for 2015.

Escobar hit .256/.332/.366 (97 OPS+) with nine homers during his first season in Tampa Bay. There is another $5 million team option in Escobar’s contract for 2015.