Blue Jays sign second baseman Joe Panik to minor-league deal

San Francisco Giants' Joe Panik smiles after his single off Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Shane Carle to lead off the eighth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, in Denver. The Giants won 11-3. (David Zalubowski/AP)

Sportsnet Staff January 18, 2020, 4:15 PM

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed second baseman Joe Panik to a minor-league deal, Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith has confirmed.

#BlueJays have a minor league deal with infielder Joe Panik as @longleysunsport reported first

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) January 18, 2020

Deal believed to be worth $2.85 million if Panik makes the #BlueJays. Also includes performance bonuses

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) January 18, 2020

Panik, 29, split last season between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets. He was designated for assignment and then released by San Francisco in early August and signed with New York shortly thereafter.

A World Series winner in 2014 with the Giants, Panik combined to hit five home runs and 39 RBI in 142 games last year while slashing .244/.315/.336.

Panik earned an all-star nod in 2015 and is best known for his defensive play, winning a Gold Glove in 2016.

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