By Jordan Long
The Toronto Blue Jays added depth to their lineup. They agreed to a two-year contract with free agent Steve Pearce. It will be worth $12.5 million. What kind of deal is this for the Blue Jays?
Pearce has played in ten Major League Baseball seasons for five different teams including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros. He is a career .254 hitter with 66 home runs and 215 RBI’s. Those are average numbers at the plate, but defensively Pearce can play multiple positions including first base, second base, third base, and the corner outfield positions.
This is a respectable move for the Blue Jays. Pearce is 33 years old and won’t be an every day player. He is most likely going to be a backup. The fact that Pearce can play more than one spot out in the field gives Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons a chance to mix him into the lineup on a nightly basis.
The only issue with Pearce is his injury history. Pearce underwent forearm surgery on September 21st to repair his flexor tendons. The Blue Jays won’t know how healthy he is until spring training. If he is healthy Pearce will help this team win games next season. If Pearce isn’t healthy it is a wasted deal.
Toronto is taking a low risk on Pearce. They know what he can do at the plate. The reason they signed him is because of the fact that Pearce can play the infield. This will allow John Gibbons flexibility to rest first baseman Justin Smoak or third baseman Josh Donaldson throughout the season. This is a decent deal.
What do you think of the Toronto Blue Jays agreeing to a deal with Steve Pearce.
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