Former Blue Jays Catcher Danny Jansen Returns to the AL East

Danny Jansen started his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, playing nearly seven full seasons there, before going to the division rival Boston Red Sox at the trade deadline this past season. Now, as a free agent, he's continuing his tour of the AL East, signing a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Rays, C Danny Jansen are reportedly in agreement on a one-year contract. pic.twitter.com/AYBf4Zbge7
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 6, 2024

It's a one-year, $8.5 million contract that includes a mutual option for a second season, according to sources familiar with the deal.

Baseball Insider Robert Murray reports that Jansen had some multi-year offers, but chose to bet on himself coming off a down season, and he'll get that chance as he goes to a team where he's been assured he'll get consistent playing time.

Jansen posted his worst numbers in four seasons in 2024, with just nine homers, 24 RBIs, a .658 OPS and an 87 OPS+.

He was a nice source of power behind the plate for the Blue Jays for three straight seasons, though his availability was always an issue, as he's suffered through an assortment of injuries that have only allowed him to play an average of 80 games per season over the last four years.

If he can stay on the field, it'll be interesting to see what kind of numbers he can put up with the Rays.