Dodgers News: Kolten Wong Nearly Opted Out of LA Contract Before Call-Up
A Dodgers debut that included a crucial three-run home run was almost not meant to be as this MLB veteran was ready to leave the team.
The Dodgers called up Kolten Wong from Triple-A Oklahoma City at the beginning of the month as a September call-up. If Wong did not get the call from the Dodgers front office, he was ready to jump ship.
“I had an opt out on the 30th — that was the deadline for both sides so it just worked out perfect that they wanted me up here,” Wong said. “I had a good showing at OKC so it just made sense.”
Via Fabian Ardaya
Wong was going to opt out of his contract for an opportunity to play in the majors with another team sometime this year. He figured that with the way his swing was going in Triple-A, someone would have taken a chance on him to play in the Show once again.
Since signing a minor league contract with the team on August 9th, Wong has done nothing but hit the ball no matter what level he’s been at. In 22 plate appearances in Oklahoma City, Wong was hitting .545 with a home run and six RBIs.
Now that he is in Los Angeles, Wong is continuing to figure out his swing. In two pinch-hitting scenarios, Wong is 1-2 with a three-run home run.
His hot hitting with the Dodgers is a complete 180 of how his season was going before signing with LA. In 67 games with the Mariners, the 11-year vet was hitting .165 with an OPS of .438.
Wong is going to be a valuable asset for the Dodgers off the bench as the team tries to wrap up another NL West division title.
Other than Michael Busch, the Dodgers did not have a left-handed bat coming to come in late in games. Now Wong gives Dave Roberts more depth to get different people in the game.
LA has a reputation of turning players seasons and careers around and it appears that they are doing it once again for Wong.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!
