Rays agree to sign Kelly Johnson to one-year contract

The Rays and free agent infielder Kelly Johnson have agreed to a one-year contract.

By Mike Axisa

Jan 28, 2013 at 11:12 am ET • 1 min read

Johnson adds some power and speed to the Rays. (US Presswire)

The Rays and free agent Kelly Johnson have agreed to a one-year contract, according to Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Financial terms of the agreement are unknown.

Johnson, 30, hit just .225/.313/.365 with 16 homers and 14 stolen bases for the Blue Jays last season. He's two years removed from a .284/.370/.496 showing with the Diamondbacks, and he's managed at least 16 homers and 13 steals in each of the last three seasons.

The Rays love versatility, and Johnson has some experience in left field in addition to his usual position of second base. The signing likely pushes Ben Zobrist into the outfield full-time. Tampa Bay acquired former Blue Jay Yunel Escobar from the Marlins earlier this offseason, so he and Johnson will again team up as double play partners in 2013.

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