Going into this week’s Major League Baseball winter meetings in Nashville, Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers said the Dbacks would like to add depth to their bench and corner infield positions.
Tuesday they were able to cross that off their wish list inking free-agent Eric Hinske to a one-year deal worth around a reported $1 million.
“It’s another veteran guy that come off the bench late in games,” Arizona President and CEO Derrick Hall told Brad Cesmat on ‘Big Guy on Sports’ in Nashville. “Good power, left-handed bat. We needed that.”
Hinske comes over from the Braves where he appeared in 91 games mainly as a pinch-hitter. In 11 major league seasons he has a .250 average.
“He’s got a lot of experience in the post-season,” Hall told Cesmat. “That’s important. For the most part we have a very young team. It’s good to bring [veteran players] in as role models but to bring that experience, as well.”
Hall said plenty of teams have inquired about outfielders Justin Upton and Jason Kubel, but was cautioned no deal for either was eminent. He said several teams have also asked about the Dbacks collection of talented, young starting pitchers.
The winter meetings continue through the end of the week.
