The Blue Jays have signed outfielder Domonic Brown to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. Brown, 28, made the National League All-Star game in 2013, before struggling at the plate over the last two seasons. "Shockingly" enough, the Blue Jays managed to hold onto Jose Bautista in the process:
#phillies GM Ruben Amaro deep in serious talks w #bluejays to acquire OF Jose Batista. Can also play 3rd. Phils would deal OF Dom Brown plus
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) November 13, 2013
As Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet points out, Brown is a Scott Boras client, an agent the Jays would usually avoid under Paul Beeston. You also have to wonder if this will put an end to the Jay Bruce rumours, as Brown is also a left-handed corner outfielder with a power bat.
Brown has not graded out well defensively over his major league career, as both his Defensive Runs Saved and Ultimate Zone Rating stats are well below average. However, if he can get back to 2013 form at the plate, he could transition to first base at a later date. Here's hoping that Brown can regain form and perform like the top prospect he was several years ago.