The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly reopened their pursuit of utility player Steve Pearce.
Nearly two years after they claimed Pearce on waivers, only to see him elect free agency instead, the Blue Jays are once again interested in the 33-year-old, per Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Pearce played first base, second base, third base, both corner outfield spots and often served as the designated hitter last season for the Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles. He slashed .288/.374/.492 with 13 home runs and 35 RBIs overall.
With the potential departures of Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista and Michael Saunders in free agency, Rosenthal notes that Toronto views Pearce as a possible right-handed platoon partner for Justin Smoak at first base, as well as insurance in the outfield. Pearce owns a career slash line of .269/.353/.499 against left-handed pitching.
The veteran underwent forearm surgery in September, and the estimated recovery time was four to six months.
-- Nick Ostiller
