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Nick Franklin, DFA’d by the Rays at the start of the season, and Desmond Jennings, former Rays outfielder, will be heading to new teams for the 2017 season. Former Rays minor leaguer Tyler Goeddel was also claimed today after being designated by the Phillies.
Brewers Claim Nick Franklin From Rays https://t.co/bLebKxQyHc pic.twitter.com/2IaZ2JXjYK
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) April 5, 2017
Franklin had been put on waivers by the Rays several days ago, as the team preferred Daniel Robertson as their back-up infielder. Coming to the Rays as part of the three-way trade for David Price in 2014, Franklin had split his time between Durham and Tampa Bay.
He has been claimed by the Milwaukee Brewers
Desmond Jennings had been drafted by the Rays in 2006 and made his way through their farm system, making his major league debut in 2010 and earning a permanent call up in 2011. Combining speed and power, Jennings made some important contributions to the team. He was, however, frequently injured, with 2015 and 2016 especially difficult years for him. The Rays released him last August.
Mets Sign Desmond Jennings To Minor League Deal https://t.co/tRQMQfpzsM pic.twitter.com/F7b1XkDfan
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) April 5, 2017
During the winter he signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds, but they released him after a lackluster Spring. The Mets have now signed him as a minor league free agent.
Finally, Tyler Goeddel had been one of the many players drafted by the Rays in 2011. Making his way through the Rays farm system to AA, he was left off the 40 man roster and snatched by the Phillies in the 2015 Rule 5 draft. The Phillies kept him and his .192/.258/.291 slash line on their roster all 2016, but this year, with better prospects on the horizon, they designated him to clear roster space.
He has been signed by the Reds.