Omaha agrees to free agent deal with Pedro Garza, welcomes back Martin Marin.(43.09)

[niles08]

In somewhat smaller under the radar news, Omaha signed two free agents just before the start of spring training.

“We felt that ironically after being pretty good against left handed pitchers last season, that was a spot of little depth for us this year and so it just made sense to reach out to these guys and come to an agreement” said Cyclones GM Justin Niles

Pedro Garza is expected to get be a 4th outfielder type player, despite the fact the club already had 8 outfielders on its roster so clearly there are moves that are going to be made to deal with that. Garza signed for a modest $1.8 million for the 1 year contract. He looked to be an average bat last season in Twin Cities finishing with an even 100 OPS+ and a 0.2 WAR.

In the biggest news in this release, Martin Marin was signed to a 3 year contract that could pay him upwards of $15,000,000 if the deal is executed fully. This is a homecoming for Marin as he was with the club from 2037-2041 before being released at the end of the 2041 season. He spent 2042 in Calgary, accumulating a .209/.287/.418 triple slash in 91 at bats. It’s expected Marin will get his looks against left handed pitching this season for the Hawks given the Brett White’s inability to hit left handed pitching. Marin is likely going to DH against lefties, taking his place and also be a bat available off the bench against righties.

"Marin and the franchise clearly go back a few years and we we're happy to see him come back to Omaha despite the fact he had other offers available. I know at one point per his agent, that a Heartland team was chasing him and we couldn't be happier to see Marin come here and we think he's going to do very well in his role." said Niles

Marin’s contract holds team options for both the 2044 and 2045 season, along with an opportunity alone for Marin to opt out after this season. He will earn $3.4 million in 2043.

[indiansfan]

Glad Marin will get a chance to play. I signed him last year to platoon at DH, but after i got Cochran he lost all his at bats.

[FuzzyRawley]

Those are Des Moines type signings. Raise the floor, but the ceiling stays where it is.