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Report: Blue Jays have expressed interest in Saltalamacchia

Justin Berl / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins has made it clear since signing outfielder Jose Bautista last week that the team still has work to do during the offseason, citing a backup catcher and a left-handed pitcher for their bullpen as needs.

Toronto apparently has a player in mind to fill the latter need, as they've expressed interest in free-agent backstop Jarrod Saltalamacchia, reports ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.

Saltalamacchia would provide the Blue Jays with an experienced switch-hitting backup to Russell Martin, who hits from the right side.

Toronto was reportedly interested in signing Bobby Wilson for the backup job before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the addition of Saltalamacchia would provide the team with additional pop, and a player who won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2013.

The 31-year-old spent this past season with the Detroit Tigers, appearing in 92 games, and hitting .171/.284/.346 with 12 home runs and 38 RBIs during 292 plate appearances, while striking out 104 times.

Over the course of his 10-year career, the backstop has played for the Tigers, Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Atlanta Braves.

Saltalamacchia owns a career slash line of .234/.309/.413 with 110 home runs and 381 RBIs.

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