A once-promising Boston Red Sox prospect has joined an American League East foe.
Former Red Sox outfielder Ryan Kalish signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, the team announced Wednesday. Kalish will receive an invitation to major league spring training as part of the deal.
Kalish, who turns 27 in March, was drafted by the Red Sox in 2006. He turned heads in the organization and was considered one of Major League Baseball’s top 100 prospects by Baseball America (No. 96) and Baseball Prospectus (No. 60) before the 2008 season.
Kalish made his major league debut with Boston in 2010, hitting .252 with four homers, 24 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 53 games. It’s been an uphill ever since, however, as neck and shoulder injuries have stalled the former ninth-round draft pick’s career.
Kalish, whom the Red Sox non-tendered after the 2013 season, spent most of 2014 in the Chicago Cubs’ organization. He hit .248 with five RBIs and a .642 OPS in 57 major league games.
The Blue Jays apparently hope a clean bill of health finally will allow Kalish to reach his potential. It might be a long shot, but the outfielder’s gritty, hard-nosed style suggests he could work his way into a big league reserve role if things go his way for once.
Thumbnail photo via Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports Images
