The Kansas City T-Bones have re-signed their 2015 MVP, utility player Nate Tenbrink, to a contract for the 2016 season.
Tenbrink, an Olathe, Kan., native, played in 96 of Kansas City’s 99 games last season. He batted a team-best .335 and was first in runs (67), hits (121), doubles (23), triples (5), walks (54) and on-base percentage (.418).
Additionally, Tenbrink’s 17 stolen bases were second on the club. Although he played 68 games at third base, Tenbrink saw action at first base, shortstop and outfield, also. On Aug. 31, Tenbrink was selected as the American Association’s Player of the Week.
“Nate should be playing in the big leagues with someone,” said Kansas City manager John Massarelli, “but if he’s not, I’m happy he’s a T-Bone again.”
Seattle selected Tenbrink in the seventh round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Kansas State University. He has spent the majority of his eight-year professional career in double-A and triple-A with the Mariners organization. Tenbrink is a career .281 hitter with 692 hits, 71 home runs, 353 RBIs and 433 runs scored in 706 games.
Tenbrink, from Olathe Northwest High School, is the second player from the Kansas City area signed by the T-Bones for next season, joining Jake Blackwood of Kansas City, Mo., who signed Nov. 17.