University of Hawai'i baseball alum Kolten Wong has won back-to-back Rawlings Gold Gloves, but the professional organization that drafted him, the St. Louis Cardinals, declined the final year on his contract, making him a free agent for the first time since he was a college recruit.
That was in October. Now, with Spring Training just weeks away, the former All-American and First Round Draft Pick is headed to sandier beaches.
Well, not the sandy beaches that Hawai'i possesses. The beaches of Lake Michigan.
Wong, signed a two-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers with a team-option for a third year. Ken Rosenthal reports the deal is worth $18 million for the first two years.
Wong hit .265 in 53 games for the Cardinals in 2020, with an above average percentage of their 60-game season being played with 7-inning double headers. In 2019, Wong had a career-best year with a .285 average and 11 home runs. He was also a Gold Glove recipient at second base in both seasons.
The Brewers have made the playoffs the past three seasons including a National League Central Division title in 2018.
Wong reunites with 2010 Rainbow Warrior teammate David Freitas who has been with the Brewers organization since 2019.
Wong will move his spring training regiment from Florida to Arizona this month with the Brewers' first Spring Training game set for Feb. 27.
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