Each year in Spring Training camps across MLB, veterans will try to hang on and extend their careers for one more year with a new team.
For these players, their days of signing a multi-year contract are passed. As such, their approach must be day-to-day — if not even inning-by-inning.
Jake Marisnick is one of those players. Currently playing for the Angels in Spring Training, the longtime MLB outfielder has played for nine different teams since making his Major League debut in 2013.
As he approaches his 33rd birthday later this March, Marisnick knows there aren't a lot of chances left to prolong what's been a very respectable career. He -- like all Major Leaguers -- understands the cruel nature of the sport.
According to MLB pundit Bob Nightengale, Marisnick may fall victim to the cruelty despite having a fantastic spring:
Angels outfielder Jake Marisnick, 32, has had a terrific spring but still is highly unlikely to break camp with the Angels expecting to keep Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak. Marisnick has an opt-out on March 20, which could intrigue teams.
Through 17 games this spring, Marisnick is leading the Angels in hits (12), home runs (3), and stolen bases (5). For good measure, Marisnick has hit .364 with a mind-boggling OPS of 1.049.
With these numbers, you'd think he'd be a lock to make the roster. Marisnick has the reputation of being a fast, speedy outfielder with a good glove. He's also said to be a great guy in the clubhouse.
However, as Nightengale mentioned, LA might be focusing its attention on younger players Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell. Moniak, 25, is hitting .314 this spring. He was formerly a first-round pick of the Phillies.
Adell, 24, was also selected in the first round back in 2017. His career with the Angels has been a bit inconsistent. However, with the new developmental staff in place, there's optimism that manager Ron Washington can extract the best out of the talented outfielder.
Based on the spring he's had, there's still a strong chance Marisnick can find a home somewhere in the Big Leagues. It just likely won't be with the Angels.
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