Report: Toronto Blue Jays in talks with free agent IF/OF Juan Yepez
Photo credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays are closing in on former Washington Nationals first baseman/outfielder Juan Yepez.
The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly in discussions with representatives for free-agent infielder/outfielder Juan Yepez.
According to Eric Treuden of Just Baseball, the Blue Jays are in talks with the former Washington Nationals first baseman and outfielder, with a minor-league deal believed to be the likely framework.
Per source: The Blue Jays are talking with free agent 1B/OF Juan Yepez about a contract (presumably MiLB). Yepez, who turns 28 next week, spent last season in Triple-A with the Nationals. He hit .266 with four home runs and a .781 OPS in 28 games in the Venezuelan Winter League. Solid depth bat.
Yepez could provide the Blue Jays with valuable roster flexibility and a capable right-handed bat
While nothing has been finalized, Yepez could represent a low-cost addition who offers more than just organizational depth.
A right-handed hitter who can handle both infield and outfield duties, he fits the profile of a versatile player Toronto has targeted in recent seasons.
During the 2024 MLB campaign, Yepez appeared in 62 games and posted a .283/.335/.429 slash line, recording six home runs, 26 RBIs, 15 doubles, and 64 hits overall.
Those numbers translated to a .429 slugging percentage and a 112 wRC+, indicators that suggest his bat could play at the big-league level.
Yepez was also one of Washington’s more productive hitters in 2024, finishing fourth in wRC+ among Nationals position players who appeared in at least 30 games.
Juan Yepez:
Has hit safely in each of his 15 games with the Nationals Is batting .389 (21-for-54)
Has 10 extra-base hits among his 21 hits
Has hit safely in each of his 15 games with the Nationals Is batting .389 (21-for-54)
Has 10 extra-base hits among his 21 hits
Coming into 2025, the Nats made a couple of additions to the first base/designated hitter mix, acquiring Nathaniel Lowe from the Rangers and also signing free agent Josh Bell.
Those moves pushed Yepez down the depth chart and he was optioned to Triple-A-Rochester for the season.
Defensively, Yepez has primarily played first base at the major-league level, but he has also logged time in left field, right field, third base, and as a designated hitter.
That versatility has carried over throughout his minor-league career, where he has seen most of his action at first base, along with extended stints at third base and DH, plus limited work in both corner outfield spots.
While he may not be a headline addition, Yepez could provide the Blue Jays with valuable roster flexibility and a capable right-handed bat if a deal comes together.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Ex-Toronto Blue Jays infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa takes shot at New York Yankees
Ex-Toronto Blue Jays infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa takes shot at New York Yankees
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 10|136 ANSWERS Report: Toronto Blue Jays in talks with free agent IF/OF Juan Yepez Would this be a good depth signing for the Blue Jays? | ||
| Yes | 65 | 47.8 % |
| No | 42 | 30.9 % |
| Too early to tell | 29 | 21.3 % |
| List of polls | ||