Edwin Ríos was non-tendered by the Los Angeles Dodgers in November, and after three months on the open market, signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs for the 2023 season.
The Dodgers not tendering Ríos a contract came as a mild surprise as he was poised to go through the salary arbitration process for the first time in his career. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman stemmed from a surplus of left-handed hitters on the team’s 40-man roster.
Ríos played in parts of four seasons with the Dodgers after being selected by the organization in the sixth round of the 2015 MLB Draft. Known for his power, the 28-year-old averaged one home run every 13 at-bats with the club.
Ríos took to Twitter to thank the Dodgers for giving him an opportunity to live out his Major League dream while expressing excitement for his new start with the Cubs.
Thank you LA for taking me in with open arms. From my big league debut to a World Series Champ. Thankful for the opportunity. Thankful for my teammates. Thankful to start this next chapter. pic.twitter.com/xGSh9AzUGt
— Edwin Rios (@Edwin_Rios30) February 18, 2023
After undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in 2021, Ríos was motivated to come back stronger last year. He impressed during Spring Training and earned a spot on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster for the first time in his career.
Ríos was initially limited to bench opportunities but received more playing time after the Dodgers placed Max Muncy on the injured list. Ríos momentum unfortunately came to a halt in June when he sustained a significant hamstring strain.
Ríos was sidelined for nearly two months before being optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City after completing a rehab assignment. He never returned to the Majors and finished the year with a .244/.293/.500 batting line with seven home runs, 17 RBI and a 120 wRC+ in 27 games.
Edwin Ríos reunites with former Dodgers teammate Cody Bellinger on Cubs
In signing with the Cubs, Ríos reunites with former Dodgers teammate Cody Bellinger, who joined the organization on a one-year contract during the offseason. Like with Ríos, Bellinger was non-tendered by L.A. and became a free agent.
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