Blue Jays sign Dayan Viciedo to minor league deal

The Blue Jays have added free-agent outfielder Dayan Viciedo on a minor-league contract, as was first reported over the weekend by Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. Viciedo will reportedly make $2.5 million if he makes the major-league roster.

Viciedo, who turns 26 next week, was released by the White Sox earlier in the offseason and drew strong interest from the Mariners, Rangers and Athletics in free agency before signing with Toronto. He may provide depth in left field for a Blue Jays' team that will be without Michael Saunders for the beginning of the season due to a torn meniscus, while competing for time with Kevin Pillar and new signee Chris Dickerson. The Jays also could use him at first base or designated hitter, though Edwin Encarnacion and Dioner Navarro seem to have those spots locked up with Justin Smoak and Danny Valencia also in the mix.

For his career, Viciedo has posted a .254/.298/.424 line with 66 home runs and 211 RBI in 483 games over five seasons with the White Sox. He is seen as a raw talent who could develop into a consistent major-league contributor due to his power potential, though the Jays will likely try to refine his defensive abilities as he continues to develop.