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Toronto Blue Jays: 5 things to know about Gosuke Katoh

By Paul Taylor

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 02: Infielder Gosuke Katoh #75 of the San Diego Padres walks off the field during the sixth inning of the Cactus League spring training baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 02, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 02: Infielder Gosuke Katoh #75 of the San Diego Padres walks off the field during the sixth inning of the Cactus League spring training baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 02, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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Getting to know Gosuke Katoh, who the Toronto Blue Jays have signed to a Minor League contract which includes an invitation to Spring Training.

Following the extension to Jose Berrios and the signing of Kevin Gausman, the expiration of the previous MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement brought a (temporary) halt to roster activity. However, the Toronto Blue Jays were at least able to announce one addition on Tuesday.

As per the Blue Jays’ official Twitter account, they confirmed the signing of Gosuke Katoh to a Minor League contract, which includes an invitation to Spring Training. Here are some facts and figures to know about Katoh:

1) Katoh attended Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, California. He was selected in the second round (66th overall) of the 2013 MLB amateur draft by the New York Yankees, and signed for $845,700.

2) The 27-year-old also spent time with the Miami Marlins organisation, before joining the San Diego Padres in 2020. He has yet to play at the Major League level.

3) Katoh had an excellent 2021 season at the Triple-A level for the Padres, playing in EL Paso. He had an impressive slash line of 306/.388/.474 in 114 games, while also recording eight home runs, 42 RBI and 46 walks.

4) The Poway, California native bats left-handed and throws right-handed. His projected ceiling is that of a depth player in the Majors.

5) Helping in this respect is Katoh’s versatility on defence, despite playing the majority of his Minor League career to date at second base. As per SI.com, he also has experience of playing at first and third, as well as both corner outfield positions.

In all reality, it will be tough for Katoh to make an impression for the Blue Jays in the Majors. At the same time however, he is a low-risk signing who at least deserves the opportunity to show what he can do after a promising improvement in the Minors.

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What is your opinion of Katoh? Do you view him as just a depth signing in the Minors, or someone who can make an impression for the Toronto Blue Jays in the Majors? Let us know in the comments section below.

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