NEW YORK -- Shortstop Freddy Galvis has been a pleasant addition to the Blue Jays' squad. Entering Tuesday’s action, Galvis is second on the team in home runs, with 12, leads the team with 38 RBIs and is hitting a respectable .264.

But numbers do not tell the whole story about Galvis, who signed with Toronto as a free agent in January. He has been a leader in the clubhouse, especially to the Latin players.

“We knew he was a good teammate before we acquired him,” Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said. “I talked to other people who had him. They said he was a really good shortstop and he wanted to play every day, and that was good enough for us. He has been great. He hits and he wants to play every day. He is having a pretty good year.”

Galvis started his Major League career with the Phillies in 2012, and he remembered teammates Carlos Ruiz and José Contreras helping him feel comfortable in the clubhouse and on the field.

“As soon as I got to the big leagues, I played with those guys," Galvis said. "They tried to help me every day."

Galvis could become a free agent after the season. He does have a $5.5 million club option for 2020, which contains a $1 million buyout. Galvis made it known he would like to stay in Toronto long term.

“I think I can be here as long as they want me,” Galvis said. “I feel really good with these group of guys. They are young. I want to stay a lot of years with the team. I really like the city. I like the organization. But things are out of my hands. [The Blue Jays] make the decision, but I feel really good here.”