Gerardo Parra: Rockies Sign Outfielder to 3-Year Deal

Aug 18, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Gerardo Parra (18) high fives third base coach Bobby Dickerson (11) after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Gerardo Parra (18) high fives third base coach Bobby Dickerson (11) after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Colorado Rockies made their biggest splash of the offseason thus far on Tuesday, signing outfielder Gerardo Parra to a 3-year deal.

According to Sports Illustrated, the agreement between Gerardo Parra and the Rockies is worth $26 million over three years. Last season between Milwaukee and the Baltimore Orioles, Gerardo Parra slashed .291/.328/.452 to go along with 14 homers and 51 RBI’s. Parra also stole 14 bases.

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A lifetime .277 hitter, Gerardo Parra is known as a good defensive outfielder with a good arm, receiving two Gold Gloves in his 7 year career. Gerardo Parra broke in with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but has played the past two seasons in Milwaukee and Baltimore.

The signing of Gerardo Parra almost certainly indicates that the Colorado Rockies will look to trade one of their remaining outfielders, with Carlos Gonzalez as the most likely candidate. The Rockies have shopped Gonzalez throughout the offseason, and the signing of Parra shows that they are willing to part with their long-time outfielder. The Rockies must clear a spot on their 40-man roster to make room for Parra.

If the Rockies do not choose to (or cannot) trade Carlos Gonzalez or one of their outfielders this offseason, Gerardo Parra could become a part of an outfield platoon, as the lefty hits righties much better than left-handed pitching. Last season Gerardo Parra hit .303 against right-handed pitching as opposed to .240 against lefties.

Next: Jose Reyes: Will Rockies Keep SS?

Welcome to the Rockies, Gerardo Parra!