The 32-year-old outfielder Matt Diaz was non-tendered by the Atlanta Braves last week, as they didn't feel like risking having to give him a raise on the $2.55 million he made in 2010. Diaz thus became a free agent, and a surprisingly active market developed. Several teams expressed interest in the veteran, and Tuesday night, Diaz chose a new home in Pittsburgh.
Matt Diaz Signs Two-Year Contract With Pirates
According to Ken Rosenthal, Diaz has signed with the Pirates. While financial terms of the contract are not yet known, it is a two-year deal, and Diaz will join an outfield currently manned by Andrew McCutchen, Jose Tabata, and, on occasion, Garrett Jones.
Diaz batted .250 for the Braves a year ago, but owns a career average of .301, with moderate power. In Diaz, the Pirates don’t get much of an everyday player, but the righty could make for an excellent platoon bat, as he owns a career .335 average, .373 OBP, and .533 slugging percentage against left-handed pitchers. The Pirates will presumably allow him to assume a semi-regular position in which he takes about 400 trips to the plate a year.
For more on Diaz and the Pirates, check out Bucs Dugout.
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