Blue Jays reportedly reach one-year deal with Marcus Semien

According to former major leaguer Carlos Baerga, the Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly reached a one-year deal with free agent shortstop Marcus Semien. Baerga is reporting that the agreement is worth $18 million dollars and that Semien will slide over to second base for Toronto.

The 30-year old hit .233/.305/.374 with seven homers in 53 games last season for the Athletics. In 2019, Semien was much more productive offensively hitting .285/.369/.522 with 33 home runs, 92 RBI’s and an impressive 8.9 WAR in 162 games. The shortstop finished third in American League MVP voting in 2019.

If the signing is in fact true, Semien would add another potent power bat to the middle of the Blue Jays order. Semien earned $13 million last season in his final season with the Athletics before hitting the open market.

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

The move as it currently stands would shift Cavan Biggio into a permanent utility role unless they opt for Biggio over Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at the hot corner. Guerrero has publicly staked claim to the third base position, however, the brain trust may have alternative plans.

Semien is an eight-year MLB veteran spending the last six years with the Athletics after beginning his career on the south-side with the White Sox. He is  a career .254/.322/.425 hitter with 115 round trippers and 66 stolen bases in 858 career games.

The 30-year old will definitely add some positional versatility to the infield and provide skipper Charlie Montoyo another viable option at shortstop in the event starter Bo Bichette goes down. Semien has also played 33 games at third base back with the White Sox.

The Blue Jays continue to throw money award this offseason after already landing George Springer, Kirby Yates, Robbie Ray and Tyler Chatwood this offseason.

It is going to be interesting to see how the remainder of the offseason plays out in terms of signings and trades especially with the need for starting pitching still on the proverbial to-do list.