Toronto Blue Jays Sign Jose Tabata to Minor League Contract
By David Hill
In an interesting move, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed Jose Tabata to a minor league contract. No other details are currently available aside for the signing.
There was a time when Jose Tabata looked like a cornerstone player for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He had solidified himself as the Pirates leadoff hitter, giving them a dynamic element atop the lineup. In his first two seasons, Tabata had posted a solid .284/.348/.383 batting line, hitting 39 doubles and stealing 35 bases. At just 22 years old, the Pirates inked Tabata to a six year, $14.5 Million extension, locking in a player they considered to be a key part of their future.
Instead, Tabata could not stay healthy. He struggled in 2012, posting a .243/.315/.348 batting line, and finishing third in the National League as he was caught stealing 12 times. Tabata became a backup after that year, due to the emergence of Starling Marte and the acquisition of Travis Snider. Eventually, he was shipped off to the Dodgers in exchange for Michael Morse, and has not made a Major League appearance since June 25, 2015.
And yet, Tabata is just 28 years old. Despite his injury history and struggles over the years, there is hope that he could still become a viable Major League outfielder. With that in mind, the Toronto Blue Jays, who have a track record of success with rebuilding player value, have inked Tabata to a minor league contract. No other details are available just yet.
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It may be possible that Tabata already had that career turnaround. Cut loose by the Dodgers after posting a .244/.340/.333 batting line in 30 games in Oklahoma City, Tabata signed with the Quintana Roo Tigres. There, in 30 games, he had a solid .320/.439/.410 batting line. drawing 18 walks and scoring 20 runs. Granted, the Mexican League does produce higher offensive numbers than average, but any possible step forward is a positive.
Does this mean that Tabata can once again be a useful part on a Major League roster? Not necessarily. But if he can continue to get on base and make contact, Tabata could find himself in the Majors once more.
The Blue Jays do have a possible opening in left as well. Currently, Ezequiel Carrera is listed atop the Toronto depth chart in left, with Melvin Upton as the backup. If Tabta does receive an invitation to the big league side of Spring Training, he could force himself into the conversation for the starting job.
Jose Tabata has a chance to resurrect his career with the Toronto Blue Jays. With an opening in left, he could do just that with a strong showing in Spring Training.