Jean Segura, an infielder, has been signed by the Orioles to a minor league contract. Since being released by the Guardians at the beginning of August of last year, the veteran has been absent from affiliated ball for more than a year. After his protracted layoff, he might soon report to Triple-A Norfolk, but he might also visit another affiliate for a checkup.
It’s an unexpected signing that takes one by surprise. Segura has not only not participated in any official games in the previous year, but he has also not been mentioned in any credible offseason rumors or appeared to have played in any winter or international leagues.
Following his worst season of his career, he is absent. In 85 games for the Marlins last season, he hit.219/.277/.279 for a 52 wRC+. It was the first year of a two-year, $17MM contract he signed with the Fish. At the deadline, he and Kahlil Watson were traded to the Guardians for Josh Bell, but the Guards promptly let Segura go, saying his only purpose for being there was financial. Up until recently, no team had signed Segura for 2024 or the last two months of the season.
Before his terrible 2023 season, he was a reliable major league player for a long time. He saw 849 games between the Diamondbacks, Mariners, and Phillies between 2016 and 2022. Over that time, he reached double digits in home runs in each of the full seasons he played in and had at least nine stolen bases. He swiped 109 bases, hit 84 long balls, and slashed.295/.345/.434 for a wRC+ of 107 overall. During that time, he was gradually moved from shortstop to second base and even played some third base. FanGraphs estimates that he contributed 21.9 wins above replacement.
It’s anyone’s guess whether Segura can mount a comeback following his difficult 2023 campaign and protracted absence from the field, but the Orioles have nothing to lose by giving it a shot. The O’s would only have to pay Segura the prorated league minimum for any time he ultimately spends on their roster, which would be deducted from what Cleveland pays, because the Guardians are still responsible for the last year of his contract.
The Baltimore infield was always known for having more talented players than opportunities, but things have changed dramatically in the last few weeks. In addition to Jordan Westburg and Jorge Mateo being placed on the injured list, they also saw Connor Norby included in the Trevor Rogers trade.
Although third base is maybe a touch less remarkable than the other locations, they still have a strong mix of players in the infield. While Jackson Holliday and Gunnar Henderson cover the middle positions, Ryan O’Hearn and Ryan Mountcastle share first base. Ramón Urías and Coby Mayo are now the best choices at the hot corner. Mayo recently been called up, but in his 15 major league plate appearances, he has a.000/.133/.000 line. Urías has a much better line of.234/.309/.364, but a poor 95 wRC+ is still the result. While Urías is known for his great defense, his stats this season are not as impressive: he has three defensive runs saved and six outs above average from third base.
In the upcoming weeks, the O’s may examine the seasoned Segura up close and see how things work out. Maybe he can persuade the team’s decision-makers that he’s better than what they have on hand, or maybe he can just give them some depth outside of the roster in case another injury occurs in the upcoming days or weeks. He will face competition from players on the 40-man roster who are now on optional assignments, such as Terrin Vavra and Liván Soto, as well as players who are not on the roster, such as Niko Goodrum, J.D. Davis, and Nick Maton.
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