Blue Jays, Pearce agree to 2-year deal
With the winter meetings officially getting underway in Maryland, the Toronto Blue Jays made the first splash Monday, agreeing to a two-year, $12.5-million deal with utility player Steve Pearce.
Toronto had been linked to the 33-year-old for close to a month after he belted 13 home runs and added 35 RBIs with an .867 OPS for the Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles last season.
The right-handed-hitting Pearce - who mashed lefties to the tune of a 1.028 OPS last season - represents a potential platoon partner for left-handed hitter Justin Smoak at first base, and could also play in the outfield.
Despite having a powerhouse offense last season, the Blue Jays owned just a .747 OPS against left-handers - good for ninth in the AL.
Pearce had a chance to become a member of the Blue Jays after being designated for assignment by the Orioles in 2014, but turned down an offer from the club and went on to have a breakout campaign in Baltimore, hitting .293/.373/.556 with 21 home runs.
He earned $4.75 million in 2016.