WINNIPEG, MB – Spring certainly has not sprung, but that hasn’t stopped Winnipeg’s boys of summer from continuing to prepare for the 2018 season.
Last week the Winnipeg Goldeyes announced they’ve signed switch-hitting infielder Jose Sermo.
As a member of the Salem Red Sox in the High-A Carolina League last season, Sermo (pronounced SAIR-moh) hit .250 with 14 home runs and 58 RBI over 110 games. The Bayamon, Puerto Rico native ranked tied for second in the Carolina League in doubles (35) and tied for second in extra-base hits (49), while contributing 55 runs scored, eight stolen bases, and 40 walks. Sermo hit safely in 70 of 110 games played, which included 21 contests with multiple hits. A switch hitter, Sermo batted .292 with eight homers and 35 RBI in 59 games for Salem during the 2016 season after Boston purchased his contract from the Gary SouthShore RailCats.
“I’m really excited about Jose being added to the club,” said Goldeyes’ manager Rick Forney. “Jose is an impact bat, who switch hits and plays multiple positions. We have high expectations for Jose.”
Originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 35th round in 2012, Sermo is entering his seventh season of professional baseball. The versatile 27-year-old
reached the Double-A level during his time with Milwaukee, and has seen action at five different positions (second base, third base, shortstop, left field, right field) over the course of 396 professional games. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Sermo was part of the three-way trade on February 6th, 2017 in which the Goldeyes acquired first baseman/designated hitter David Bergin.
The trade involved the Goldeyes sending left-handed pitcher Ethan Carnes to the RailCats, the RailCats trading Sermo’s reversionary rights to the St. Paul Saints, and the Saints dealing Bergin to Winnipeg.
In addition to the Sermo signing, the Goldeyes announced three additional transactions. Catcher Mason Katz has elected to retire from professional baseball. Katz hit .268 with 19 home runs and 66 RBI in 94 games for Winnipeg last year, including a three-homer performance on the final day of the regular season.
Catcher Miguel Gonzalez, who was signed by the Goldeyes back on March 5th, has accepted a coaching position with the Chicago White Sox’ organization.
The Goldeyes also traded catcher Jesse Baker to the Frontier League’s Lake Erie Crushers in exchange for a player to be named later. Baker was signed on November 22nd, and hit .253 with eight home runs and 35 RBI for the Salina Stockade in 2017.
The Goldeyes now have 18 players under contract for the 2018 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 28 players during spring training, which begins May 6th.
The Winnipeg Goldeyes open the 2018 season on May 18th on the road against the Cleburne Railroaders. The Goldeyes’ 2018 home opener is Friday, May 25th versus the Sioux Falls Canaries at Shaw Park