The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots have announced that former outfielder Chris Marrero has made the San Francisco Giants Major League roster out of spring training.
When Major League Baseball’s 2017 season opens, Marrero will become the 17th player in Somerset Patriots history to make it to the “Big Leagues” after time in Somerset.
Marrero played for the Somerset Patriots in 2015 and was among the Atlantic League leaders with a .311 average, 46 hits, 12 doubles, six home runs, and 22 RBI when his contract was purchased by the Chicago White Sox organization in early June.
“Chris came to the ballpark ready to play at a high level everyday. His work ethic was outstanding and he handled himself like a true professional,” said Brett Jodie, Manager of the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club. “It really is no surprise that he made it back to the Majors where he belongs. It’s another prime example of how guys can come to the Atlantic League to showcase their talents and Major League Baseball takes notice. We are very happy for Chris.”
Marrero split the remainder of the 2015 season between Double-A and Triple-A for the White Sox and the Boston Red Sox. He combined for a .271 average with 71 hits, 16 doubles, seven home runs and 29 RBI in 70 games.
He spent the entire 2016 season at Triple-A Pawtucket in the Red Sox organization and hit .284 with 139 hits, 30 doubles, 23 home runs and 71 RBI. He elected free agency after the season and joined San Francisco as a non-roster invitee this spring where he hit eight home runs and impressed the Giants organization to claim the Opening Day roster spot.
Before joining Somerset, Marrero had prior Major League experience with the Washington Nationals, who picked him in the first round (15th overall) of the 2006 draft.
Marrero played in 39 games for the Nationals in 2011 and 2013 and had 29 hits, five doubles, and 11 RBI.
He also has six seasons of Triple-A experience for the Nationals, Red Sox, White Sox, and Baltimore Orioles organizations.
Marrero has minor league career .277 batting average with 1,111 hits, 225 doubles, 15 triples, 140 home runs, and 606 RBI over 1,083 games.
Of Somerset’s 17 players to make Major League Baseball since 1998, three have been in the past two seasons. Left-handed relief pitcher Buddy Boshers (Minnesota Twins) and infielder Robert Andino (Miami Marlins) both returned to the majors last season after spending the 2015 season in Somerset.
Tickets to the 2017 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford, which includes the team’s 20th Anniversary, are on sale now. TD Bank Ballpark will be the host of the 2017 Atlantic League All-Star Game presented by RWJBarnabas Health and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey on Wednesday, July 12th. For more information, stop by the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.
About The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
