The Toronto Blue Jays added another minor-league deal to their bullpen picture on Thursday, reuniting with right-hander Gavin Floyd.
Minor-league signings are, within the context of MLB payrolls, a free trial. Floyd fits the model of what teams look for in these situations, too, as he offers legitimate upside — however uncertain — at a position of need.
Floyd pitched in 28 games for the Blue Jays in 2016 after signing a $1 million guaranteed deal, posting a 4.06 ERA with some encouraging peripherals. Just as the three seasons prior, however, injuries cut his year short.
The buzz surrounding Floyd entering 2016 — outside of the short-lived competition with Aaron Sanchez — came from a very brief stint with Cleveland in 2015 where the right-hander looked sharp over a handful of innings at the end of the season.