Report: Blue Jays sign Semien

The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly signed former Oakland A’s infielder Marcus Semien. Semien finished third in the American League MVP voting in 2019. Photo: USA Today Sports

January 26, 2021

By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

The Toronto Blue Jays and free-agent infielder Marcus Semien have agreed to terms on a one-year, $18M deal, per industry sources.

Semien is one season removed from finishing third in American League MVP voting. In 2019, he posted single-season highs in games played (162), hits (187), home runs (33), and OPS .892. The California native joins the Blue Jays having slashed .254/.322/.425 across parts of eight big league campaigns since breaking in with the Chicago White Sox in 2013.

Among American League shortstops dating back to 2017, only Andrelton Simmons (16.5) and Francisco Lindor (19.6) have produced a higher WAR than Semien's 15.8 mark.

Though the right-handed swinging product of Berkeley, Calif., has appeared predominately at short throughout his major league career, he's also spent time at third and second. Where he factors into the Blue Jays' plans remains unknown, but a willingness to move around the infield as needed will add value to the deal as Jays' skipper Charlie Montoyo is a fan of defensive fluidity.

The likely outcome would see Cavan Biggio slide to third base on a more permanent basis, with Semien getting the lion's share of his reps at second. Bo Bichette will remain at short and, despite refining his game at third during winter league action this off-season, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Montreal, Que.) will likely be the Blue Jays' primary first baseman in 2021.

Semien joins RHP Tyler Chatwood, reliever Kirby Yates and outfielder George Springer as the fourth free-agent signing by the Blue Jays' front office in less than a week.

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