Utility man with big upside claims to have signed with Blue Jays

MIAMI, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Toronto Blue Jays hats and gloves sit in the dugout during the sixth inning of their game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on August 23, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jared Lennon/Getty Images)

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By Patrick McAvoy

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Toronto Blue Jays have been linked to pretty much all of the big-name stars available in free agency, but the offseason isn't just about superstars.

Re-signing Bo Bichette or landing a superstar like Kyle Tucker or Framber Valdez would move the needle. But, depth on the bench in the big leagues and in the upper levels of the minors is important as well. On Friday, it seemed as though the Blue Jays took a step toward adding depth.

Former Detroit Tigers prospect Carlos Mendoza took to Instagram to share that he had signed with Toronto.

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DETROIT, MI - JULY 16: A detailed view of a Toronto Blue Jays baseball hat and glove sitting on the dugout steps during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 16, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Blue Jays 6-5. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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As of Friday, however, the signing had not been independently verified.

Mendoza is a 25-year-old prospect who elected free agency from the Tigers on Nov. 6, per his official MiLB page. In 2025, he appeared in 97 games overall across Double-A and Triple-A and slashed .287/.394/.409 with seven homers, 41 RBIs, 12 stolen bases, 16 doubles, two triples, and 64 runs scored. Mendoza played just 14 games at the Triple-A level and was a .327 hitter in the small sample size.

He can play all over the diamond. Last season, he saw action at second base, third base, left field, and designated hitter.

This isn't a move that is going to make waves across social media. But it's a depth move at the upper levels of the minors that could help the team down the line if injuries pop up.