Going into the off-season, it was widely assumed that outfielder David DeJesus and the Tampa Bay Rays would continue their player-team marriage, but Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times broke some rather interesting news on the situation.
Just talked to @David_DeJesus3, quite pleased to be staying w/ #Rays + new deal (2014-15, '16 option): "I'm excited to be a Ray again."
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) November 4, 2013
Originally, it was widely reported that the Rays had picked up a $6.5 million 2014 option for DeJesus, but Topkin’s news is far more interesting. Financial details are unavailable for the 2-year pact (that could turn into 3 years with a 2016 option), but it’s a safe bet that the average annual salary will likely be a tick lower than $6.5 million to accommodate the extra years.
In 2013, DeJesus played for 3 different teams, but he did manage to display reasonable offensive numbers (.251/.327/.402 slash line with 8 home runs in 439 plate appearances), and his quality defense as an outfielder also drives up his value. In addition, the 33-year-old outfielder has a platoon split that Joe Maddon and the Rays will be able to utilize properly, as he has a career wRC+ of 117 against right-handed pitching.
In the end, this is a match made in heaven for both parties, and there should be no surprise that the two sides were able to agree.