Smoak stays a Jay

Justin Smoak (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed first baseman Justin Smoak to a one year contract worth US $3.9 million, thus avoiding arbitration.

SMOAK, who turns 30 on Saturday, appeared in 132 games for Toronto last season batting .236 with 18 home runs, setting career-highs in RBI (59) and OPS (.768). The Goose Creek, South Carolina native was credited with four defensive runs saved, ranking 2nd to only Mark Teixeira at first base. Smoak, the 11th overall pick of the 2008 draft by Texas is a veteran of six seasons, posting a .224 career average with 92 home runs and 223 RBI for Texas, Seattle and Toronto.

SMOAK BIO – http://m.mlb.com/player/475253/justin-smoak