Toronto Blue Jays Interested in Kelly Johnson
Veteran utility player Kelly Johnson isn't going to impress anyone with his numbers, but he has always been a solid contributor. That is why he still has a number of suitors who are interested in acquiring his services.
According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams interested in signing Johnson to a minor league deal that includes a non-roster invitation to spring training. However, he will reportedly hold out for a major league deal. Rosenthal said the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves have offered him a non-roster deal as well.
Well, a number of observers have noted that Johnson will probably have a hard time looking for a team willing to give him a major league contract right now. But he's a versatile player who can play on the infield and the outfield, so teams will continue to keep an eye on him.
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"That isn't a tall order for the 35-year-old, who has proven his mettle during seven different major league gigs over the last three years. He split his 2016 season between the Braves and Mets, slashing a cumulative 0.247/0.306/0.391 with 10 home runs and a 0.698 OPS in 333 PA," NBC Sports' Ashley Varela said in her report.
"While he's unlikely to secure a starting role this late in the year, he profiles well as a left-handed bat and could provide some depth at second and third base (or the outfield corners, in a pinch) for a team with limited options," she continued.
The Blue Jays' interest in Johnson actually makes a lot of sense. Devon Travis is still recovering from a bone bruise in his right knee and the club can use someone who can play second baseman in case he misses time.
Johnson is the prototypical journeyman utility player. The 11-year veteran has already played with eight different teams during his career. He played for the Blue Jays during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
