Rivera Signs, Bringing More Run Production to Washington
The Wild Things announced today the signing of OF Alexis Rivera for the 2019 season.
Rivera is no stranger to the Frontier League after playing the past two seasons with the Traverse City Beach Bums. After seeing the Wild Things as an opponent, he was eager to join Washington to chase another East Division title.
Before his time in Traverse City, Rivera played five seasons between the Kansas City Royals and the Los Angeles Angels. The career .273 hitter hit 24 homeruns and totaled an impressive 159 RBI. Alexis was a heavily sought after free agent in 2017 after hitting .290 for the Angels' affiliate in Burlington the summer prior. His extensive professional experience is something that Washington valued, expecting it to positively impact the team on and off the field.
"Rivera showed he can be a formidable hitter in this league when healthy. His 2017 campaign is a reflection of the type of player he is naturally", said Assistant GM Tony Buccilli. "Last season Alexis played through two debilitating injuries. He never was able to fully recover on the DL and his numbers suffered. With his health in order, we expect Rivera to return to an All-Star caliber hitter and a meaningful run producer", Buccilli stated.
The East Division Champions return to the field as they open the season Thursday, May 9 at River City, with the home opener slated for Friday, May 17 at Wild Things Park.
