Blue Jays: Brett Lawrie inks minor-league pact with Brewers

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 14: Infielder Brett Lawrie #13 of the Toronto Blue Jays takes over at third base in a defensive switch in the eighth inning during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 14, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 14: Infielder Brett Lawrie #13 of the Toronto Blue Jays takes over at third base in a defensive switch in the eighth inning during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 14, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst/Getty Images) /
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Former Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Bret tLawrie announced on Instagram earlier today that he has signed a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Brett Lawrie last played in the majors in 2016 suiting up in 94 games with the Chicago White Sox before his eventual release. The 29-year old Canadian was initially drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round, 16th overall of the 2008 amateur draft.

The Brewers would ship Lawrie north of the border to Toronto in 2010 in exchange for pitcher Shaun Marcum. Lawrie would make his MLB debut with the Blue Jays in 2011 and spend the next four seasons in his home country.

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Lawrie was then shipped to the Oakland Athletics as part of the package to acquire Josh Donaldson. The Redbull infused Lawrie would hit .265/.323/.426 with 43 homers, 23 stolen bases, and an 11.8 WAR in 345 games with Toronto.

The third baseman has battled an assortment of injuries throughout his MLB career and credits bad orthotics for sidelining him since 2016. Lawrie appears excited to turn the page on hit the reset button in Milwaukee.

According to Robert Murray of The Athletic, Lawrie signed a minor league deal with a salary of $1 million for the 2019 campaign. The deal also includes a club option for 2020 and could climb to $7 million with performance bonuses. Lawrie last earned $4.125 million in 2016 with Chicago.

Lawrie has MLB time with the Blue Jays, Athletics and White Sox hitting at a career clip of .261/.315/.419 with 71 homers and a 15.1 WAR in 588 MLB games. The loss of free agent Jonathan Schoop could also open up a door for Lawrie at second base if he impresses in spring training.

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The Canadian can play both third and second base and provide some low-risk upside for the Brew-Crew if he is healthy. It is nice to see the former Blue Jays fan favourite put his issues behind him and get back to where he belongs. Best of luck in 2019, Brett.