The Blue Jays have signed Eloy Jimenez to a minor league contract, according to reporter Mike Rodriguez. Jimenez's latest deal with the Jays includes an invitation to Toronto's Major League spring camp. Jimenez's journey with the Jays has been a rollercoaster. After signing a minors deal with Toronto in August, he only played in six games with Triple-A Buffalo, posting a .508 OPS over 21 trips to the plate. This performance resulted in an overall .247/.326/.347 slash line in 215 plate appearances in the Jays' and Rays' farm systems, without any games played at the Major League level. Jimenez's story is one of potential and setbacks. Once a feared power bat, he signed a six-year, $43MM deal with the White Sox before ever appearing in a big league game. During the 2019-23 seasons, Jimenez lived up to that potential, hitting .275/.324/.487 with 89 homers over 1777 PA. However, injuries have plagued him, and his 122 games played in 2019 remains his highest game total in a regulation-length season. The 2024 season was particularly challenging, as Jimenez hit .238/.289/.336 over 349 PA while battling adductor and hamstring strains. The White Sox eventually traded Jimenez to the Orioles at the 2024 trade deadline, and Baltimore declined a $16.5MM club option for the 2025 season. Jimenez then joined the Rays on a minors deal, but injury woes and uninspiring numbers led to his release last July. Despite his setbacks, Jimenez is still only 29 years old and maintains decent hard-hit ball numbers and exit velocities. The Blue Jays' decision to sign him to a minor league contract and invite him to spring camp is a calculated move. They are taking a chance on a potential late-career turn-around, even if it's unlikely Jimenez will crack Toronto's crowded roster. His best-case scenario might be a standout performance in spring training, followed by a trade to another team or an opt-out in his contract at the end of camp.
