Blue Jays Invite Infielder Gosuke Katoh to 2022 Spring Training
The Blue Jays have signed infielder Gosuke Katoh to a minor league contract with an invite to 2022 Spring Training, the team announced Tuesday.
A second-round draft pick in 2013 by the Yankees, the 27-year-old slashed .306/.388/.474 with eight home runs and 42 RBI in 114 games with the El Paso Chihuahuas, San Diego's Triple A affiliate, during the 2021 season.
Beyond his stellar year in the minors, Katoh could be a practical fit on the Blue Jays bench in 2022 if he makes the team. He's a left-handed hitter with experience playing every infield position and both corner outfield spots, though Katoh is primarily a second baseman.
Katoh becomes the eighth player to sign a minor league deal with Toronto this offseason.
The Blue Jays are scheduled to play their first Spring Training game on February 26, should the MLB lockout resolve itself before then.
Ethan Diamandas is a contributing writer who covers the Toronto Blue Jays for Sports Illustrated. He also writes for Yahoo Sports Canada and MLB.com. Follow Ethan on Twitter @EthanDiamandas