Rockies reach deal with versatile utilityman Kyle Farmer

The Rockies have signed versatile utility player Kyle Farmer to a one-year deal with a mutual option. A source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand that the contract is for $2.5 million with a $4 million mutual option for 2026, and a $750,000 buyout that results in a $3.25 million guarantee.

Farmer has been a valuable role player throughout his eight-season career. He doesn’t have any flashy skills, but he has been a plus hitter against left-handed pitching and can play just about every spot on the infield.

The 34-year-old batted .262 with a .751 OPS in 118 plate appearances against left-handers last season with the Twins. By comparison, his average and OPS against right-handed pitching was .167 and .545, respectively. He owns a career .812 OPS against lefties, which is 163 points higher than his career OPS versus righties.

Defensively, Farmer logged double-digit appearances at second base, third base and shortstop in each of the past two seasons with Minnesota. Center field, right field and catcher are the only positions he hasn’t played in an MLB game, but no matter where he’s positioned, Farmer has usually provided serviceable defense. He compiled four outs above average last year and has 16 OAA in the Majors.

An Atlanta native, Farmer was an eighth-round Draft pick by the Dodgers in 2013. He debuted in 2017 and has produced a .250/.310/.391 slash line and an 87 OPS+ through 707 big league games split between the Dodgers, Reds and Twins.

The Rockies also made a series of moves ahead of Friday's non-tender deadline, declining to tender contracts to pitcher Cal Quantrill and infielder Brendan Rodgers. Farmer could prove to be a capable replacement for Rodgers.