Blue Jays sign Steve Pearce; moving on from Edwin Encarnacion?
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed utility man Steve Pearce to a two-year contract. Does this mean they are out on Edwin Encarnacion?
As first reported by Buster Olney of ESPN, the Toronto Blue Jays have reached a contract agreement with Steve Pearce. The 33-year-old utility man spent the 2016 season with the Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles, and can play first base, second base, and both corner outfield positions. Pearce’s season came to an end in early September due to a flexor mass strain in his throwing elbow. The injury forced him to undergo surgery, but he is expected to be ready for Opening Day.
The addition of Pearce gives the Blue Jays another veteran platoon option with positional flexibility. He slashed .288/.374/.492 in 85 games last year with 13 home runs and 35 RBIs. In 2014, Pearce became a cult sensation in Baltimore after helping the Orioles to the ALCS and filling the void left after season-ending injuries to Manny Machado and Matt Wieters as well as a season-ending suspension for Chris Davis. That year, which was Pearce’s first extended stay in the big leagues, he slashed .293/.373/.556 with 21 home runs and 49 driven in while playing in only 102 games.
By signing Pearce, the Blue Jays give themselves another option to soften the expected loss of Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista. Pearce is able to play both positions that need to be filled — first base and right field — and brings many of the same skills. He hits for power against left-handed pitching and has a patient and disciplined approach at the plate.
On Encarnacion: Sources who familiar with him says Rangers could be an interesting match. Market leverage for EE appears to be dropping.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 5, 2016
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In addition to Pearce, the Blue Jays have already signed switch-hitting DH Kendrys Morales to a three-year deal, and have been linked to free-agent outfielder Dexter Fowler. All three, can be signed for well under $100 million while allowing the Jays to avoid paying for the past performance of aging sluggers. Moving on from franchise icons may be difficult, but the Blue Jays are spending their money wisely this winter.