You are using an older browser version. Please use a supported version for the best MSN experience.

Kole Calhoun to undergo knee surgery

MLB Trade Rumors 3/2/2021 Connor Byrne, MLB Trade Rumors

Kole Calhoun wearing a baseball hat: Considering he isn’t signed beyond this season, Kole Calhoun is entering a pivotal year.

Diamondbacks outfielder Kole Calhoun will undergo right knee surgery Wednesday, manager Torey Lovullo told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic and other reporters. Lovullo was unable to offer any details on the procedure.

While it’s unknown how much time Calhoun will miss, it at least seems likely that he will sit out the start of the regular season, which is less than. a month away. That’s unwelcome news for Arizona, as Calhoun was one of its few bright spots during a disappointing 2020. After signing a two-year, $16 million guarantee in free agency, the longtime Angel slashed .226/.338/.526 (125 wRC+) with 16 home runs and a career-high .300 isolated power number in 228 plate appearances. Calhoun also continued his good work in right field, where he recorded a 5.3 Ultimate Zone Rating.

Considering he isn’t signed beyond this season, Calhoun is entering a pivotal year. If he’s able to rebound quickly and perform even close to as well as he did last year, Calhoun could convince the Diamondbacks to exercise his $9 million option for 2022 instead of buying him out for $2 million. Regardless, it appears the Diamondbacks are going to have to at least temporarily pencil in someone else in right, where Josh VanMeter, Daulton Varsho, Pavin Smith, Josh Rojas, Stuart Fairchild could be in-house possibilities who are on Arizona's 40-man roster. Otherwise, the Diamondbacks might consider free agency, waivers or a trade.

Subscribe to Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the most comprehensive newsletter in sports. Customize your email to get the latest news on your favorite sports, teams and schools. Emailed daily. Always free! Sign up now ▸

More must-reads:

Related slideshow: Who has the most home runs in a season for every MLB franchise? (Provided by Yardbarker)

Roger Maris et al. posing for a photo: Has the home run been diminished by the fact the ball seems to fly out of the park these days? Perhaps a little, but we still love the long ball. We know who has the greatest home run seasons in MLB history, but every franchise has a single-season record for homers as well. That’s just math. Who is the slugger with the most dingers in a year for every team? Here they are, in alphabetical order based on team city. Two of these records were just set last year, by the way. Like we said, homers are on the rise.

Go to MSN Home

AdChoices

More from MLB Trade Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

View the full site