Pirates sign John Jaso to two-year deal
The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed another player who might be in their platoon at first base.
The team announced Wednesday that it has signed catcher/outfielder John Jaso to a two-year deal. FOX Sports MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reports the deal is worth $8 million.
The #Pirates have announced the signing of first baseman/outfielder John Jaso to a two-year contract. pic.twitter.com/e18NkAO1p5
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) December 23, 2015
Source: Jaso deal with #Pirates is two years, $8M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 23, 2015
Jaso has primarily played catcher during his six-year career, only recently converting to an outfielder last season with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, in their announcement of Jaso's signing, the Pirates referred to him as a "first baseman/outfielder," which hints at their intended use of the 32-year-old, who finished fifth in the AL Rookie of the Year Award voting in 2010.
Jaso has only played two games at first base in his major-league career, neither of which were starts.
Nonetheless, the Pirates will be content if they can keep Jaso's bat in the lineup. The left-handed batter has averaged 11 home runs, 60 RBI, and a .263/.361/.406 split per 162 games during his career.