Rickie Weeks had a rough 2014 season. With a slew of injuries slowing him down and his production declining over the past two years, Weeks found himself behind youngster Scooter Gennett on the depth chart. He’ll have the opportunity to resurrect his career with the Seattle Mariners, however, after signing with the team.
CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reported the details of the deal:
Weeks appeared in 121 games this past season, hitting .274 with eight home runs and 29 RBI. Because he failed to reach 600 plate appearances this season or a combined 1,200 plate appearances in the past two years, his $11.5 million option for this season didn’t vest and the Milwaukee Brewers declined to pick it up, clearly putting their eggs in Gennett‘s basket at second base.
It was a rough end to an excellent nine-year stretch in Milwaukee for Weeks, who made the All-Star team in 2011 and was a major part of the 2008 and 2011 playoff teams. It won’t be easy leaving the only club he’s played for, especially as a 32-year-old with a diminishing skill set.
Weeks has the opportunity for a second chance in Seattle but may have to make certain concessions, like playing a new position from time to time in order to contribute. The fear for both Weeks and his new club will be that his best baseball is simply behind him. Weeks has plenty to prove, in other words.
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