Maicer Izturis, Blue Jays Agree To Three-Year, $10 Million Deal
The Toronto Blue Jays and free agent infielder Maicer Izturis have reportedly agreed to a three-year, $10 million contract.
According to CBS Sports, the 32-year-old utility infielder, who made his big-league debut with the Montreal Expos in 2004, inked the multi-year deal with the Blue Jays Thursday, becoming the first major league free agent this offseason to join a new team.
Prior to joining the ‘Jays, Izturis batted .276 with a .339 on-base percentage over the past eight seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, and spent time at shortstop, second base and third for the club.
Over his nine-year career he has batted .273 with a .337 OBP and .381 slugging percentage.
“He’s someone that’s going to come in and compete for the job at second base,” said Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos at the GM meetings in California. “He’s not guaranteed the job, but the fact that he can play all over the infield, he’s just a valuable guy to have. He can do a lot of little things. He’s a winning player. He can draw a walk. He can put the ball in play — a pretty good contact rate. He can run a little bit and steal some bags. He plays very good defensively, as well, and is a good teammate, good in the clubhouse.”
In addition to signing Izturis, Toronto also purchased right-hander Jeremy Jeffress from the Kansas City Royals. In parts of three seasons with Milwaukee and Kansas City, the 25-year-old posted a 4.89 ERA in 37 relief appearances while striking out almost a batter an inning.
