Toronto, ON – The Toronto Blue Jays have continued to bolster their lineup by signing outfielder Melky Cabrera.
The deal is for two years and is valued at $16 million.
Cabrera spent last season with the San Francisco Giants but did not play after Aug. 14, having been hit with a 50-game suspension for violating MLB's drug policy.
The 28-year-old native of the Dominican Republic was on his way to a career year, leading the NL in batting at .346 with 11 home runs, 25 doubles, 10 triples and 60 RBI in 113 games. He was also named MVP of the All-Star Game after helping give the Senior Circuit -- and the Giants -- home-field advantage in the Fall Classic.
Over 984 games with the Yankees, Braves, Royals and Giants, Cabrera is a lifetime .284 hitter with 69 homers, 186 doubles and 417 RBI.
News of the signing comes just hours after the Commissioner's Office approved last Tuesday's 12-player swap between the Jays and Miami Marlins.
The deal has the Marlins sending shortstop Jose Reyes, catcher John Buck, outfielder Emilio Bonifacio and pitchers Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle to Toronto in exchange for shortstop Yunel Escobar, catcher Jeff Mathis, infielder Adeiny Hechavarria, pitcher Henderson Alvarez, minor league pitcher Anthony DeSclafini and a pair of highly regarded prospects -- outfielder Jake Marisnick and pitcher Justin Nicolino.
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