The Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday made official the signing of outfielder Franklin Gutierrez to a one-year contract. His deal is worth a reported $2.6 million and includes $400,000 in incentives.
Gutierrez is the last of the Dodgers’ expected signings to be finalized, with Sergio Romo and Chase Utley already in the fold. Gutierrez re-joins the organization where his professional career began, as the Dodgers signed him as an amateur free agent in 2000.
The Venezuelan native was included in the 2004 trade to acquire Milton Bradley from the Cleveland Indians.Gutierrez made his MLB debut with the Indians the following year, though only logged two plate appearances over seven games.
He gained more experience in 2006, when Gutierrez batted .272/.288/.360 with nine doubles, one home run and eight RBI while appearing in 43 games. From 2007-10, Gutierrez appeared in a minimum of 100 games, including a career-high 153 games with the Seattle Mariners in 2009.
Over seven seasons with the Mariners, he hit .257/.312/.409 with 99 doubles, 74 home runs, 268 RBI and a 100 OPS+. Gutierrez missed the entire 2014 season due to injury and serious illness. He appeared in 59 and 98 games during the 2015 and 2016 seasons, respectively.
Gutierrez has suffered from plantar fasciitis and chest, elbow, knee and shoulder injuries throughout his career.
The 33-year-old joins a crowded Dodgers outfield picture, though holds some edge due to being able to handle left-handed pitching. Last season Gutierrez batted .280/.373/.511 with a 143 wRC+ off southpaws in 217 plate appearances. For his career, Gutierrez is batting .289/.351/.495 against lefties.
Further aiding his cause is Kiké Hernandez, Trayce Thompson, Andrew Toles and Scott Van Slyke have Minor League options remaining. Gutierrez has played all three outfield positions throughout his career, though hasn’t logged time in center field since 2013.
