Rockies near deal with Kyle Farmer, valued for hitting lefties
The Rockies are reportedly nearing a one-year agreement with utility player Kyle Farmer, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
Farmer, an eight-year veteran, has carved out a career as a dependable role player. While he doesn’t stand out with any singular skill, he consistently delivers strong performances against left-handed pitching and is capable of covering nearly every infield position.
Last season with the Twins, the 34-year-old recorded a .262 batting average and a .751 OPS in 118 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers. In comparison, his stats against right-handers were notably weaker, with a .167 average and a .545 OPS.
Over his career, Farmer has been a reliable bat against lefties, boasting an .812 OPS—163 points higher than his career average against right-handers.
Kyle Farmer, along with outfielder Manuel Margot, officially entered free agency on Friday after the Minnesota Twins decided not to pick up their 2025 contract options.
Instead of a $6.25 million salary for next season under a mutual option, Farmer will receive a $250,000 buyout. This concludes a one-year contract that had guaranteed him $6.3 million.
Farmer has built his career on versatility and consistency. While he may not dominate in any single area, he’s proven himself as an above-average hitter against left-handed pitching and provides defensive flexibility, having played nearly every infield position.
In 2023, Farmer hit a career-low .214 with five home runs and 25 RBIs across 107 games. Despite the dip in offensive production, he showcased his defensive adaptability, playing second base, shortstop, and third base, along with a game at first base and even three pitching appearances in mop-up roles.
A strained right shoulder sidelined him from July 10 to August 9, disrupting his season.
During his time with the Twins, Farmer hit .262 with a .751 OPS in 118 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers. Against right-handers, however, his numbers dipped significantly, managing just a .167 batting average and a .545 OPS.
Across his career, Farmer has excelled against left-handed pitching, with an .812 OPS—substantially higher than his numbers against righties.
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