Toronto Blue Jays sign Curtis Granderson to one-year contract
By Curtis Panke
The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly signed Curtis Granderson to a one-year contact worth $5 million, adding much-needed depth to their outfield.
The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly signed free agent outfielder Curtis Granderson to a one-year contact, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports and The Athletic.
The deal is reportedly work $5 million along with additional incentives.
Free-agent outfielder Curtis Granderson in agreement with #BlueJays on one-year, $5M contract, sources tell The Athletic. Deal also includes incentives and is pending a physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 16, 2018
By signing Granderson, the Blue Jays not only add to the depth of their outfield, but they bring in a left-handed batter who is still he can still produce at 36-years-old.
Curtis Granderson will play next season at age 37 but left-handed hitter posted a .775 OPS in 449 ABs with #Mets and #Dodgers last year https://t.co/TTHdAzXoTB
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) January 16, 2018
Granderson started last season with the New York Mets and was later traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitcher Jacob Rhame.
As a member of the Mets, Granderson had a batting average of .228 with 19 home runs and 52 RBI.
In Los Angeles, Granderson couldn’t seem to find a groove with the National League Champions by batting just .161, with seven homers and 12 RBI. He was a part of the Dodgers playoff run, but was left off their World Series roster.
Granderson will have to fight for playing time among a crowded Toronto Blue Jays outfield that includes Kevin Pillar, Steve Pearce, Ezequiel Carrera, Teoscar Hernandez and Anthony Alford.
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But if John Gibbons uses him effectively and limits his games, Granderson could be a valuable signing for the Jays.
Granderson will benefit from playing at the home run friendly Rogers Centre and despite his age, he still isn’t afraid to steal bases and play good defence.
He also adds another veteran presence in the club house, following the departure of Jose Bautista.
In 2016, Granderson won the Roberto Clemente Award for his community service and charitable work.
Even with the addition of Granderson, the Blue Jays are apparently still in the market for outfielders according to Sportsnet‘s Shi Davidi.
Curtis Granderson is a complement to current #BlueJays outfield, they'd like to add another OFer, as well, add to depth on roster.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) January 16, 2018
The contract is pending a physical, but expect the Blue Jays to make the signing official within the next couple of days.
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What is your analysis of Granderson? More specifically, are you intrigued by what he can offer to the Toronto Blue Jays, or not expecting much? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.