February 12, 2021

By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

The Toronto Blue Jays and free-agent infielder Joe Panik have agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.85M deal for the 2021 campaign.

Panik, 30, has appeared in parts of seven major league seasons dating back to his rookie year with the San Francisco Giants in 2014. In 723 games, the left-handed swinging product of Yonkers, N.Y., has slashed .269/.334/.380 while appearing predominately at second base.

Having earned Rookie of the Year considerations, an All-Star nod, and a Gold Glove award, the former first-round draft pick (2011) has also appeared in 23 post-season contests, winning it all with the Giants in 2014.

Signed to a similar contract last year, Panik posted an OPS of .640 in 141 plate appearances with Toronto in 2020.

Panik joins Santiago Espinal as valuable depth behind an infield core that currently consists of starters Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, and newcomer Marcus Semien.

Friday's deal comes with an invite to big league camp this spring.

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