Goldeyes’ all-star third baseman gets second chance to pursue major-league dream

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This article was published 16/01/2018 (2284 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Wes Darvill’s major-league dream is still very much alive.

The all-star third baseman for the Winnipeg Goldeyes has inked a deal to join the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Darvill, 26, will report to the Dodgers’ spring training complex in Arizona next month where he is expected to compete for a roster spot at the Double-A level.

“I want to thank the Winnipeg Goldeyes for everything over the past two seasons, and for helping me receive the chance to win a roster spot with the Dodgers,” Darvill, a native of Langley, B.C., said Wednesday in a statement.

Darvill has been a major contributor in helping the Goldeyes win back-to-back American Association championships. He hit .309 with four home runs, 49 RBI, 30 stolen bases and 53 runs scored last season while providing stellar defence at the hot corner. Darvill owns a .953 fielding percentage over his two seasons with the Goldeyes, fielding more chances than any third baseman in the American Association (532).

“I’m very happy that Wes is getting this opportunity with the Dodgers,” said Goldeyes’ manager Rick Forney. “Wes works extremely hard day-in and day-out and was a great teammate. We wish him all the best.”

Darvill upped his play in the post-season, hitting .319 in his two combined years the Goldeyes went all the way. He had at least one hit in 17 of his 19 playoff games.

“Thank you to Rick and Tom (Vaeth, the hitting coach) for giving me the opportunity to continue my career and to improve as a player. Thanks to all of my teammates, especially the veterans, for creating a positive and fun environment in the clubhouse,” said Darvill. “I especially want to thank the fans for making Winnipeg such an incredible place to play. The championships the last two years have been amazing memories, and we couldn’t have done it without your support.”

This represents a second MLB opportunity for Darvill, who was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the fifth round of the 2009 draft and played seven years in their system. He reached the Double-A level on two occasions, but was eventually released in early 2016.

The Goldeyes still retain Darvill’s independent baseball rights should he return back to this level.

Darvill’s contract is the 73rd sold to a Major League organization in Goldeyes’ history.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @mikemcintyrewpg