Omar Vizquel, Jays agree on 1-year deal

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Free agent shortstop Omar Vizquel has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, his agent Adam Katz confirmed to ESPN.com.

Vizquel is joining the Blue Jays on a minor league contract. It includes an invitation to major league spring training camp, according to a league source. Vizquel is expected to compete with Mike McCoy and Luis Valbuena for a utility infield job in Toronto.

Vizquel tweeted: "I'll be with the Toronto Blue Jays in spring training this year to earn a spot."

The veteran infielder, who turns 45 on April 24, would be headed into his 24th major league season if he makes the team out of spring training. Vizquel has 11 Gold Gloves at shortstop and provided a positive clubhouse influence for the Chicago White Sox the past two seasons and a reliable option off the bench.

Vizquel appeared in 58 games last year, batting .251 with eight RBIs and seven doubles. He is a career .272 hitter in 2,908 games.

Vizquel has spent the past three seasons as a mentor to Elvis Andrus in Texas and Alexei Ramirez in Chicago. With the Blue Jays, he's expected to back up Yunel Escobar at short and also log some time at second and third.

Jerry Crasnick is a senior baseball writer for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Jerry Crasnick

ESPN.com MLB insider

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• ESPN.com senior writer
• Author of "License to Deal"
• Former Denver Post national baseball writer