2021 Blue Jays: Derek Fisher Out, Joe Panik Returns

Overtime Heroics Editorial

954 days ago

The 2021 Blue Jays have made more roster moves. Derek Fisher has been designated for assignment while Joe Panik returns on a minor league deal.

2021 Blue Jays: Derek Fisher the Odd Man Out

The Toronto Blue Jays were in need of roster space following moves made on Thursday, February 11th. The 40-man roster got crowded and Derek Fisher will join Shun Yamaguchi as casualties following those moves.

#BlueJays DFA Derek Fisher to make room for David Phelps

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) February 11, 2021

Despite having one of his best seasons at the plate in his four-year career Derek Fisher will not be included in the Blue Jays plans in 2021. The now 27-year old left fielder posted a .226 batting average and one home run in 39 at-bats in 2020. Derek Fisher during his career has posted a .194 batting average, including 17 home runs in 78 hits. Toronto needed to make room on the 40-man roster for newly acquired right-handed pitcher David Phelps, Derek Fisher is the odd man out.

2021 Blue Jays: Joe Panik Returns on Minor League deal

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed second baseman Joe Panik to a minor league contract. The agreement is dependent on if he makes the Blue Jays 40-man roster and will be worth $1.85 Million USD for the season, Joe Panik will have incentives that could add up to $400,000 USD.

Infielder Joe Panik and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a minor league deal, a source tells ESPN. If he makes the team, he'll have a base salary of $1.85 million and can make another $400,000 in incentives.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 12, 2021

Joe Panik, now 30-years old had a .226 batting average with 27 hits and one home run in 2020. The seven-year veteran has played for ye teams during his time in MLB, including six years with the San Francisco Giants, one year with the New York Mets, and most recently the Toronto Blue Jays.

During his seven seasons, Joe Panik has a solid .269 batting average while racking up 684 hits and 39 home runs. The long time National League Division player will look to crack the 40-man roster and begin his second season in the American League division with hopes of joining the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2021 campaign.

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