Blue Jays sign Daric Barton to minor-league deal

The Toronto Blue Jays signed veteran first baseman Daric Barton to a minor-league deal Tuesday, adding another candidate to compete for a spot on the 25-man roster this spring.

Barton, a former first-round pick, hasn't logged consistent playing time in the major leagues since 2010, when he appeared in 159 games for the Oakland Athletics. Despite an advanced approach at the plate, Barton has struggled to consistently produce in recent years. He appeared in just 30 contests for the Athletics in 2014, managing a ghastly .158/.234/.175 line in 64 plate appearances.

The 29-year-old spent the majority of the 2014 season with Oakland's affiliate in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, posting a .781 OPS with nine home runs over 85 games for the Sacramento River Cats.

Barton could compete with Justin Smoak this spring for a reserve role on the Blue Jays' active roster, though he's more likely to provide minor-league depth should he remain with the club beyond spring training.