The Blue Jays have been mostly quiet this off-season, waiting for the right player to become available at a reasonable price.


That player finally has emerged — free-agent shortstop David Eckstein.

The Jays have reached a preliminary agreement with Eckstein on a 1-year, $4.5 million contract, according to a major-league source.

Eckstein, a two-time World Series champion, likely will become the team's everyday shortstop and leadoff man, returning John McDonald to a backup role.

"That's been his role and he's always been successful at it," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told The Canadian Press. "He's a tough out and he really battles. He just seems to find a way to get something done."

The Jays signed McDonald to a two-year, $3.8 million contract in September, but considered his deal affordable even if they used him as a reserve.

Eckstein, who turns 32 on Jan. 20, struggled to find the right fit in free
agency, and the squeeze became tighter after the Cardinals declined to offer him arbitration.

The White Sox and Tigers acquired shortstops through trades early in the off-season.

The Mets signed Luis Castillo to play second base after a brief flirtation with Eckstein. The Rockies, too, considered Eckstein at second, but the Jays offered a better opportunity.

Eckstein, a seven-year veteran, batted a career-high .309 for the Cardinals last season with three homers, 31 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.
His career on-base percentage is .351.

Rest of the story: FOX Sports on MSN - MLB - Jays get Eckstein for $4.5 million