Toronto Blue Jays sign free agent infielder Freddy Galvis

The Blue Jays have signed infielder Freddy Galvis to a four million dollar, one year contract that includes a 2020 club option.

The Blue Jays add infield depth with the signing infielder Freddy Galvis on Tuesday, while designating for assigment RHP Danny Barnes to make room for the new acquisition on the 40-man roster.

The 29-year-old shortstop from Punto Fijo, Venezuela, spent the 2018 season with the San Diego Padres in which he hit .248 with 13 home runs, 67 RBI’s and an OPS of .680 in 162 games. It was the second season in a row in which he took part in every single game of the season, after playing another 162 with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2017. He has actually missed just 15 games over the past four seasons.

He’s primarily a shortstop although he has played a total of 94 games at second base, 27 at third and 12 in the outfield during his seven major league seasons. He has a career slash line of .246/.290/.374 with a lifetime OPS+ of 79.

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The Blue Jays traded away Aledmys Diaz, non-tendered Yangervis Solarte, and released Troy Tulowitzki earlier in the off-season, which left the team without a lot of depth in the middle of the infield. Galvis provides durability, above average defense and, although his bat isn’t his primary weapon, he does have some power with it. His career high in home runs came in 2016 when he hit 20 homers but his OPS+ has been standing around 70-90 in his last four seasons.

This move might mean the Blue Jays don’t have any plans on bringing up top prospect Bo Bichette in the immediate future. It also adds competition for Lourdes Gurriel Jr. at shortstop as well as Devon Travis and Brandon Drury at second and perhaps third until the Jays call up Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The contract is as follows: $4 million salary in 2019, a $1 million buyout in case the option isn’t picked up or a $5.5 million salary in 2020. Guaranteed $5 million.