TORONTO -- The Blue Jays brought back a familiar face on Thursday afternoon by signing former first-round pick William McGuire to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
McGuire was taken with the 11th overall selection in the 2010 MLB Draft and spent parts of four years in the Blue Jays' Minor League system, but never advanced above Triple-A. He later had stints with the A's and Cardinals before making his big league debut with the Reds in 2017.
The 28-year-old righty made six appearances, including two starts, for Cincinnati with a 1-1 record and 2.63 ERA. McGuire struck out 11 and walked two with a 0.878 WHIP over 13 2/3 innings as a September call-up. Prior to the promotion, McGuire went 9-9 with a 2.79 ERA in 28 games for Double-A Pensacola.
McGuire likely won't factor into the big league plans next spring, but he does provide additional depth in the Minor Leagues. Toronto's starting rotation includes Aaron Sanchez, Marcus Stroman, J.A. Happ and Marco Estrada, with one spot to fill. Joe Biagini is one possible internal candidate, but the Blue Jays are expected to add another starter, plus more depth, this offseason.