The Phillies have signed former Cardinals and Red Sox utility man Yairo Muñoz to a minor-league contract, according to the team’s transaction log.
Muñoz, 27, spent the majority of the 2021 season in Triple-A with the Worcester Red Sox, slashing .308/.341/.444 with eight home runs, 36 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. At one point, Muñoz had a 35-game hitting streak with the WooSox, breaking Dom DiMaggio’s record for the longest hitting streak in the history of the Red Sox organization.
His best season in the majors came with the Cardinals in 2018 when he slashed .276/.350/.413 with eight home runs and 42 RBIs in 108 games. His primary position with Worcester was third base, but he played every position besides catcher and pitcher in 2021. Muñoz is not known as an excellent defender, but his versatility should help the Phillies if he makes the team.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Muñoz was outrighted off Boston’s 40-man roster in October. Teams are able to sign players on minor league deals during the lockout. He does have one minor league option remaining.
Just before the lockout began, the Phillies signed utility infielder Johan Camargo to a one-year, $1.4 million major league contract. Camargo will likely be on the Phillies roster come Opening Day, but that doesn’t preclude Muñoz from winning a job on the major league roster.
Muñoz and Camargo both played for Aguilas Cibaenas of the Dominican Winter League this offseason.