Seemingly always right in the middle of the Cardinals’ late season magic of the last few seasons, Daniel Descalso has found a new home. The Colorado Rockies officially announced on Tuesday that they have signed the 28-year-old former Cardinal infielder and World Series champion to a two-year, $3.6 million contract. According to reports, Descalso will earn $1.5 million in 2015 and $2.1 million in 2016, and each contract year includes up to $500K in attainable incentives.
Descalso was non-tendered by the Cardinals on December 2 and two weeks later signed with the Rockies where he is likely to serve in a more prominent role. Descalso is in line to serve as the Rockies’ primary backup around the infield following the clubs’ trade of infielder Josh Rutledge to the Angels for a pitcher back on December 11, but could step up into a starting role should the Rockies trade an infielder such as Troy Tulowitzki.
Drafted by the Cardinals back in 2007, Descalso batted .243 with 10 home runs and 110 RBI in 529 games across five seasons for the redbirds from 2010-2014. A member of the 2011 World Championship team, Descalso played in 44 postseason games for St. Louis, collecting multiple key hits for the team, including a game-tying single against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning of game five of the 2012 NLDS. Descalso was a runner up for a Gold Glove at third base for the 2011 season and showed off his versatility in his time with the Cardinals, appearing at all four infield positions and even pitching for the team on one occasion.
Descalso hit .242 with 10 RBI and 11 doubles in 104 games this past season.
Read more from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Denver Post, and ESPN.
More to come.
The Rockies officially announced the deal on Tuesday. Descalso’s agent Steve Cantor told ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick about the $3.6 million guarantee. SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo reported on the breakdown of Descalso’s contract.
Feature image used under Creative Commons from Keith Allison. No changes made. Creative Commons License.
