The Toronto Blue Jays have signed outfielder Curtis Granderson to a one year contract worth $5 million for the 2018 season, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Granderson spent the 2017 season between the Mets and the Dodgers and became a free agent following the World Series as his four year contract, initially signed with the Mets prior to the 2014 season, expired. While he had been rather solid for the Mets, he struggled mightily after being acquired in an August trade by the Dodgers in exchange for Jacob Rhame.
While he was on the Dodgers’ roster for both the NLDS and NLCS, he was left off of the World Series roster as he had only been able to muster one hit between the two postseason series. All told, Granderson slashed a solid, albeit unspectacular .212/.323/.452 with 26 home runs in 2017 while seeing time in all three outfield positions.
Granderson seems likely to serve as some insurance, and as the strong side of a platoon in right field for the Jays with the young Teoscar Hernandez out of the gate, and could also see at bats as the designated hitter. He seems to be a strong fit for the Jays as he spent four years in the AL East, with the Yankees, and the fact that his power could play up in the strong hitters’ park, the Rogers Centre.
If the Jays do not contend in 2018, Granderson’s rather inexpensive salary could make him a rather attractive trade chip, seeing as how a contender would surely value his power and veteran leadership down the stretch. While this isn’t an earth-shattering signing, it is one that looks likely to pay dividends for the Jays in 2018, and beyond, as they won’t have to rush Teoscar Hernandez, if he proves to need a bit more seasoning.
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