Blue Jays Sign Jared Goedert, Invite to Spring Training

February 28, 2013; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jared Goedert (43) hits a 3-run home run during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Just when despair had begun to set in and the Toronto Blue Jays looked like they were not going to sign anyone this winter as infield help, Alex Anthopoulos swoops in and saves the day.

Well, sort of.

On Monday, the Toronto Blue Jays signed infielder Jared Goedert to a Minor League deal which includes an invitation to spring training, according to Jon Morosi.

The 28-year-old Goedert has logged 825 games in the minors, spending time in both the Indians and Pirates organizations over the course of his 8-year career. In 3447 plate appearances, he owns a slash line of .271/.350/.453, showing both an ability to get on base and decent pop. However, he is also prone to the strike-out, having done so in 17% of his plate appearances. In 130 games for the Pirates Triple-A Indianapolis affiliate last season, Goedert slipped a bit, hitting just .241 with 11 home runs, 62 RBI, and 110 strike-outs.

Also of note is that Goedert has spent most of his career manning the hot corner, logging 567 appearances at third base, meaning his likely contribution level is nothing more than Minor League depth, joining the likes of Andy LaRoche in that regard at Triple-A Buffalo.

Who knows, maybe Jared Goedert will be the 2014 version of Jim Nergrych.