Blue Jays Sign Jake Elmore To Minor League Deal

The Blue Jays have signed utility player Jake Elmore to a minor league deal. Keegan Matheson of MLB.com provided us with the news. Elmore receives an invite to big-league spring training.

Elmore, 29, spent last season in the Brewers organization and is known for playing every position over his major league career. Fangraphs lists him as a shortstop, but he's graded out poorly in terms of defensive runs saved.  He played 59 games in the majors last season, but struggled to the tune of a .218 batting average.

Elmore likely starts the season with the Buffalo Bisons, and he's proven to be a respectable hitter at the AAA level. Elmore posted a .428 on-base percentage with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox last season, and is usually over .370 every year. Although he lacks power, his ability to draw a walk will make him a strong performer near the top of Buffalo's lineup.

Although he's played nearly 200 career games in the majors, his results at the plate are less than impressive. A career line of .215/.297/.280 won't even cut it as a middle infielder, but a 10% walk-rate is an encouraging sign. The plate discipline certainly stands out, but making hard contact continues to be an issue.

Elmore could form Buffalo's middle infield with another recent signing in Gregorio Petit. Since Ryan Goins is out of options, adding depth to this area was a major concern. Given his positional flexibility, Elmore can move around the diamond if Lourdes Gurriel Jr. or Richard Urena force their way to AAA as the season progresses.