Valencia has agreed to a one-year/$3.74M deal with first baseman Vicente Rivera. Inside sources said that the team arbitration offer was going to be $3.9M.
In Vicente’s first season playing full time, he delivered a 2.9 WAR of production while playing DH in 122 of his 146 starts. The 26 year-old hit for a .305 average with an on-base percentage of .372. Vicente was fourth in the BBA in doubles with 56 and added 20 homers to go along with his 89 RBI.
From a ratings perspective, Vicente has held his own with an overall rating of 50 although his potential rating dropped from 65 down to 55 over the last 5 months. His potential contact and power ratings of 7 decreased to 6 in that same time frame.
For 2062, the Valencia faithful are hoping for a repeat performance. His $3.74M salary would be wel worth another 3-ish WAR season.