Toronto Blue Jays acquire Yangervis Solarte

The Toronto Blue Jays, apparently looking out for those of us who want some hot stove action this weekend, have acquired infielder Yangveris Solarte from the San Diego Padres in exchange for minor league outfielder Edward Olivares and minor league reliever Jared Carkuff, per multiple reports. Solarte, 30, is under contract for $4 million in 2018, with club options in 2019 and 2020 for $5.5 million and $8 million.

Solarte has been with the Padres since July, 2014, when he was acquired from the New York Yankees for Chase Headley (who, of course, is back with San Diego now). Solarte has played all the infield positions for the Padres, but primarily is a second/third baseman. The acquisition has fueled speculation that maybe third baseman Josh Donaldson — a free agent after the season -- could be dealt by the Jays, but Solarte is a fringe starter/nice backup type who gives the Jays depth in the infield, an area where Toronto saw its starters miss significant time in 2017.

Olivares is a 21 year old who spent last season in A ball, and is an okay prospect, while Carkuff is a 23 year old righthander who appears to be an organizational depth guy. San Diego didn’t get much for Solarte, but then, you wouldn’t expect Solarte to fetch much.

And in case you’re wondering why the photo has a player in a Rangers uniform, that is Solarte from 2013 — he was in the Rangers system in 2012 and 2013, spending both seasons in Round Rock, having been signed by the Rangers prior to each season as a minor league free agent. Solarte never made it to the majors with Texas (or with the Minnesota Twins, his original team), but has carved out a nice career since.