The Phillies have signed their second outfielder this offseason to a minor-league contract: five-year veteran Mikie Mahtook.
The Philadelphia Phillies have made another minor-league signing, following their similar additions of infielders Josh Harrison, Phil Gosselin and T.J. Rivera, as well as outfielder Matt Szczur.
On Wednesday, the club inked five-year veteran outfielder Mikie Mahtook to a minors pact with an invitation to spring training, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Mahtook, 30, failed to record a hit in nine games and 25 plate appearances last season with the Detroit Tigers, while also striking out 11 times; in his previous four seasons, split between the Tampa Bay Rays (2015-16) and Tigers (2017-18), he combined to slash .242/.297/.416 with 33 doubles, nine triples, 33 home runs, 97 RBI, 14 stolen bases, 57 walks and 244 strikeouts spanning 282 games and 940 plate appearances.
In 2017, Mahtook ranked third in the American League in triples (6); and, in 2018, he ranked first in the American League in double plays turned as a left fielder (2). Mahtook has major-league experience at all three outfield positions.
The Lafayette, Louisiana, native can earn $850,000 if he earns a spot on the Phillies’ major-league roster, according to Nightengale. The former first-round pick, drafted 31st overall in the 2011 amateur draft, slashed .260/.357/.492 at Triple-A Toledo after being designated for assignment by the Tigers this past season.
Mahtook has the same alma mater as Phillies right-handed ace Aaron Nola, who was drafted by the Phillies seventh overall just three years later. Aaron’s brother and fellow LSU alumnus, Austin Nola of the Seattle Mariners, was drafted the same year as Mahtook.