Michael Bourn Reportedly Signs Minor League Deal with Blue Jays

Former Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Bourn has reportedly found a new home in the AL East after agreeing to terms with the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

The Braves cut Bourn prior to the start of the regular season despite owing him $14 million, per the Associated Press (h/t Fox Sports).

The 33-year-old journeyman has played for four teams in his 10-year career. Although he has just 31 career home runs, he has stolen 326 bases and earned two Gold Glove Awards.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said cutting Bourn was not an easy decision, per David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

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[Releasing] Bourn was very, very difficult. It might have been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. You spend so much time with them, and you care for both of those guys. [Emilio Bonifacio] played his first year in the big leagues for me, with the Marlins. There’s a personal attachment there. And you know with Mike Bourn how we feel about him in this organization and what he brings.

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While Bourn hasn't proved to be worth $14 million per year in recent seasons, the small commitment of a minor league deal makes perfect sense for the Blue Jays.

They have little outfield depth on their Major League roster with Jose Bautista, Kevin Pillar, Michaels Saunders and Ezequiel Carrera as the only options.

Bourn is excellent defensively and can play all three outfield positions, and that versatility could prove quite valuable for Toronto moving forward.

Even though Bourn may have to start in the minor leagues, the two-time All Star's experience and combination of skills should make him an ideal bench player for the Jays in the near future.