Former Rays postseason hero signs with Padres out of free agency

In the unusual 2020 campaign, a former Rays infielder displayed postseason prowess with one of the clutchest home runs in recent history off of a dominant reliever. To make matters more interesting, the two players had tension during that season topped off by the final blow in the ALDS. Mike Brosseau vs. Aroldis Chapman: one of the greatest matchups to occur at Petco Park. Now, the right-handed slugger will be returning to the Padres stadium to hopefully relive his glory.

Mike Brosseau signs a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres

The Padres have acquired former Rays third baseman, Mike Brosseau out of free agency. The Oakland University product was signed by Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2016. The talented young player worked extremely hard to climb through the ranks of the Rays farm system and become only the 2nd MLB player from his Division 3 college. The only other alumni of Oakland University to make an appearance in the big leagues was Don Kirkwood, who pitched in 120 games for the Angels, White Sox, and Blue Jays.

Therefore, the odds have always been heavily against Brosseau to become a mainstay with an MLB club. The Rays gave the Indiana native a chance and they will never regret it. Although he never accumulated more than 150 at-bats in a season, the hard-hitting infielder found his niche: crushing left-handed pitchers.

In 112 at-bats from 2019-2020, Brosseau hit .313 with 15 extra base hits against left-handed pitching. The Rays knew how to use their secret weapon and he ran with this role, becoming a major asset on a club that was able to reach the division series both years.

In 2021, the Brewers traded for the Rays third baseman and he was able to record a career-high in hits and RBIs his first season. However, after a rough 2023 year in which he accrued a -0.4 WAR, Brosseau was DFA'd and eventually released by the Milwaukee organization.

Rays fans could've predicted that this tenacious athlete would find himself back in range to join an MLB roster sooner or later. The Padres got a gritty team-player that will add some much needed infield depth. We wish him nothing, but the best with his new team.