Report: Jeff Francoeur May Opt-Out Of Minor League Contract

Mandatory Credit: craveonline.com

El Paso Chihuahuas’ outfielder Jeff Francoeur, who has had a renaissance-season in Triple-A for the San Diego Padres, may opt-out of his current minor league contract according to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish.  According to Cotillo’s report, Francoeur, has what is termed a rolling-opt-out clause in his current contract. Meaning, when and if a big league team comes calling, if the Padres don’t purchase his contract and bring him back to the big leagues, he can leave El Paso and sign a major league contract with any team that has made an offer.

The most likely destination for Francoeur, who is hitting .297 to go along with 15 home runs and 52 runs batted in, would be the Toronto Blue Jays as a fourth outfielder. He last appeared in the Major Leagues last season with the San Francisco Giants. The Padres, who have needed offense all season, have ignored the production of Francoeur due to having several outfielders on the big league roster that all share playing time, including Carlos Quentin, Chris Denorfia, Cameron Maybin, Will Venable, and Seth Smith. Unless one or more of those outfielders are dealt, Francoeur will most likely be wearing a big league uniform in a city other than San Diego very soon.