Izturis agrees to $10M contract with Blue Jays

Infielder Maicer Izturis became the first major league free agent this offseason to join a new team, agreeing Thursday to a $10 million, three-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto said the deal was for $3 million annually. The team has a $3 million option for 2016 with a $1 million buyout. The 32-year-old hit .256 with 17 steals in 19 tries, two homers and 20 RBIs this year for the Los Angeles Angels. After reaching the big leagues with the Montreal Expos in 2004, Izturis spent eight years with the Angels. He has a .273 career average with 81 steals. Toronto also purchased right-hander Jeremy Jeffress from Kansas City. He was 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA in 13 relief appearances for the Royals this year. The Royals traded left-hander Tommy Hottovy to Texas for a player to be named or cash. He had no record and a 2.89 ERA in nine relief appearances.