Blue Jays sign Ezequiel Carrera to 1-year deal

Bob Nightengale tweets that the Jays have signed Ezequiel Carrera to a 1-year, $1.9 million contract, saving both sides from having to file arbitration numbers tomorrow. We will likely hear a few of these tonight.

Ezequiel has been with the team for 3 years. He had his best season last year, hitting .282/.356/.408 with 8 home runs and 10 steal in 131 games. I’m hoping he won’t play as much this year, and I’m hoping we can do better for a defensive replacement, but we should get value on that contract.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind having one of our young outfielders take that 4th outfielder job, but I don’t run things. I’d prefer a 4th outfielder who plays better defense (who doesn’t make me shutter when he’s chasing a fly ball) and who could be more of a base stealing threat as a pinch runner. But then, Steve Pearce is unlikely to play 140 games, so having a known quantity on the bench is a good thing.

Welcome back Ezequiel. If I could ask one thing, could we limit the jump/dive for fly balls to moments when it is absolutely necessary.

The Blue Jays have eight more arbitration eligible players with whom to either come to terms or take their case to a panel.

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