NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland — One Orioles’ free-agent domino reportedly falls – and falls to an American League East rival.
Infielder/outfielder Steve Pearce is headed to the Toronto Blue Jays on a two-year, $12.5 million deal pending physical, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
It will be the fourth AL East team that Pearce has played for – he’s never been a part of the Boston Red Sox organization.
Pearce, 33, has played for the Orioles in every season from 2012 to last year. He left as a free agent last winter, and then was re-acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays in July. The Orioles sent catching prospect Jonah Heim to the Rays for Pearce’s services.
Pearce wasn’t fully healthy with the Orioles, though, dealing with a forearm tendon injury that eventually required surgery in September.
He batted .217 with a .329 on-base percentage in 20 games with the Orioles. Overall, in parts of five seasons with the Orioles, Pearce hit .255 with a .337 on-base percentage in 999 plate appearances.
He was a favorite of manager Buck Showalter’s for his work ethic, defensive versatility and willingness to fill any team need (including second base, at one point in 2015), and Showalter said on several occasions that he’d like Pearce back if the situation warranted it.
Pearce is the second Orioles’ free agent to agree to a deal this winter. Lefty Brian Duensing signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Chicago Cubs last week.
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Maybe we can trade Sisco for him in August?
Good one Brooks. I was just wondering if we could get a refund for the Jonah Heim trade. Another STUPID stopgap move that hurts in the long run.
He's unlikely to clear waivers, so it'll have to be in July ;).
Hey, I'll miss Mr. Pearce as much as the next guy, but let's face it, his time has passed.
How in the world can someone pay Pearce over 6 million a year in the very same economy that prevents the Birds from ponying up 3 large for a pitcher like Vance Worley?
Riddle me that one Mr. Duquette?
Talk about take the money and run; what was the extent of Pearce's second tenure in Charm City, a week? Two? Although I can hardly fault him. Mr. Showalter's curious logic of 'guy has a nagging arm injury that could potentially sideline him for the year so what the hell, lets stick him in a position that may require him to the throw the ball 300 feet repeatedly" still boggles the mind.
The news here is the Jays are potentially losing both Encarcion and Bautista and replacing them with Kendrys Morales and Steve Pearce. That weakens an O's rival.