NEW ORLEANS, 14 December 2003 — The Toronto Blue Jays kicked off the Major League Baseball winter meetings on Friday by signing right-hander Miguel Batista to a three-year $13.1 million deal.
With over 150 free agents on the market and rumors of blockbuster deals floating through the hallways, the signing is the first announced at these meetings that are expected to produce a flurry of activity before concluding tomorrow as teams look to upgrade or plug holes in their lineups.
The Blue Jays main priority this off-season is to sign American League Cy Young award winner Roy Halladay to a long term deal but the addition of Batista will strengthen Toronto’s starting rotation.
Batista, who will earn $3.6 million in 2004, $4.75 million in 2005 and $4.75 million in 2006, is expected to move into the number two spot in the rotation behind Halladay. “He’ll be a good No. 2 (starter) for us,” said Toronto general manager JP Ricciardi.
