Meet The New Guys: Joe Panik

Second baseman Joe Panik (age 29) is one of the Blue Jay’s newest acquisitions this off-season. Panik signed with the Jays on a minor league deal, but the team has since added him to the 40 man roster, purchasing his $3.45 million USD contract from their Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons as of March 15th. The Blue Jays made room for the six year veteran by placing the injured Yennsy Diaz on the 60-day IL.

With an All-Star appearance (2015), Gold Glove (2016), and World Series title (2014) under his belt, the Blue Jays certainly picked up an experienced player still in his prime years. Panik was released by the Giants last year after a down season in which he hit for a career-low batting average of .235 at the plate, while also struggling in the field, yielding a defensive runs saved of -7 (a career low). He would finish with a negative WAR for the first time in his career. However, Panik finished the season strong with the Mets, where he would bounce back hitting for a .277 average along with 2 home runs over 94 at-bats. This spring Panik played extremely well, hitting .381 with 2 home runs over 21 at-bats, fighting hard for his spot on the team before camp shut down due to COVID-19.

Through his 6 year career, Panik has been used almost exclusively as a second baseman. Given Toronto’s strong infield core featuring young talents like Cavan Biggio, Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Panik will likely take more of a utility role on his new team. Many sources have said that the Jays plan to use him all over the field, potentially even the outfield. Panik has gotten time all around the diamond in spring (including shortstop), making it the second time he has played a position other than second since his minor league days.

The Blue Jays hope that Panik can return to all-star form, and based on his spring, it is beginning to look like a real possibility. Not only can Panik bring a great glove and bat into the lineup, but he has some great experience to share with the young players after having spent 5 years with legendary manager Bruce Bochy, and winning the title in 2014. On a one year deal, Panik is a great player on a great contract, and could be a major determinant in the success of the team this year.