Blue Jays reportedly showing interest in free agent Brock Holt

According to Chris Cotillo of Mass Live, the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly showing interest in free agent Brock Holt.

The Blue Jays are attempting to add the finishing touches to their roster ahead of spring training and Brock Holt could add some value in a utility role in 2020. By all accounts, it would appear the outfield complexion is not going to change from its current state in the coming weeks and Holt could add some depth there as well.

Holt is apparently also being pursued by the Cincinnati Reds according to Reds beat writer Bobby Nightengale. The 31-year old earned $3.575 million last season with the Red Sox, however, it does not appear that his services will be required any longer in Boston following their signing of Jose Peraza earlier in the offseason.

He appeared in 87 games last season for the Red Sox hitting .297/.369/.402 with 77 hits including three homers and a 1.0 WAR in 295 plate appearances. He also missed nearly eight weeks with a scratched cornea and right shoulder impingement in 2019.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates originally drafted Holt in the 9th round of the 2009 amateur draft out of Rice University in Houston, Texas. The Pirates would eventually ship Holt to the Red Sox in 2012 after just playing 24 games at the major league level with them.

Holt along with closer Joel Hanrahan was sent packing to the Red Sox in exchange for Ivan De Jesus, Mark Melancon, Stolmy Pimentel, and Jerry Sands.

Over the course of eight MLB seasons, Holt sports a career .271/.340/.374 slash line with 23 homers and a 7.5 WAR in 639 games. The 31-year old can play all over the field having spent time at every position except pitcher and catcher. He is predominately a second baseman and outfielder but has the ability to play anywhere in a pinch.

Holt is also a career .297 hitter with two home runs and seven runs batted in over 12 postseason games with Boston.

He is renowned around the league for being a gritty, sparkplug type player who is a good teammate and clubhouse guy. He reminds me of a Reed Johnson style player who leaves it all on the field each and every day.

If the Jays can land him on a one-year/ $3.5 million dollar pact with an option for 2021, I am all for it. The added insurance in the outfield plus his all-around versatility could bode well for manager Charlie Montoyo over the course of a 162 game season.