All you need to know about whether if infielder Hunter Dozier is a free agent or not in the Major League Baseball.
The Kansas City Royals made the decision on Monday to designate infielder Hunter Dozier for assignment. Dozier is currently in the midst of the third year of a four-year deal that has a total value of $25 million and is guaranteed to receive that amount. Infielder Nicky Lopez, who had been placed on the 10-day injured list due to an injury, will replace him as the active player on the team’s roster.
Dozier, who is now 31 years old, was taken with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 draft; however, the deal to acquire him was widely regarded as being below slot, which enabled the team to sign left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea 26 picks later. Dozier was still considered to be a promising player, but he did not have a particularly successful start to his professional career until 2016 when he had a breakout year at the Double-A and Triple-A levels.
He did not fare well in his first two attempts to play in the major leagues, which were in 2016 and 2018, but he appeared to be on the verge of having a breakout season in 2019 when he slashed.279/.348/.522 and hit a career-high 26 home runs.
Dozier took a step back during the 2020 season, but his batting line of.228/.344/.392 still clocked in right around the league average, according to metrics such as wRC+ and OPS+, after weighting for his pitcher-friendly home park and a reduced leaguewide run-scoring environment.
Dozier’s overall batting line of.267/.347/.492 with 32 home runs in 772 plate appearances from 2019-20 showed the Royals enough that they were confident in making that four-year extension offer prior to the 2021 season. In other words, Dozier’s performance gave the Royals enough confidence to do so.
Hunter Dozier’s baseball career has been marked by perseverance, growth, and success. From his early days in college to his ascent to the Major Leagues, Dozier has showcased his skills and earned recognition for his contributions on the field.
Dozier was born on August 22, 1991, in Denton, Texas. He attended Denton High School, where he excelled in both baseball and football. His exceptional abilities on the diamond caught the attention of scouts, and he was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the eighth round of the 2013 MLB Draft.
Prior to his professional career, Dozier played college baseball at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. As a Lumberjack, Dozier had an impressive collegiate career, displaying his versatility and power at the plate. In his junior season in 2013, he hit .396 with 17 home runs, earning him numerous accolades, including the Southland Conference Player of the Year and being named a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, which recognizes the top college baseball player in the country.
After being drafted by the Royals, Dozier began his professional journey in the minor leagues. He quickly made his mark, progressing through the ranks and showcasing his offensive prowess. In 2016, Dozier made his MLB debut with the Royals, and while his initial stint in the big leagues was limited, he continued to work on refining his skills.
Dozier’s breakout season came in 2019 when he solidified his place in the Royals’ lineup. He displayed his power-hitting ability, recording 26 home runs and 84 RBIs while maintaining a .279 batting average. His offensive contributions earned him recognition as one of the top young talents in the league.
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