KANSAS CITY -- The Royals signed former Blue Jays infielder Ryan Goins to a Minor League deal on Wednesday with an invite to Spring Training, according to a club official.
Goins, 29, was non-tendered by the Blue Jays last fall.
Goins, a left-handed hitter, could provide middle infield depth for the Royals, who could start the season with Raul Mondesi at shortstop and Whit Merrifield at second base. Shortstop Alcides Escobar remains a free agent.
Goins hit .237 with a .286 on-base percentage for the Jays in 2017. He set career highs in doubles (21), home runs (nine) and RBIs (62).
Goins is a career .228 hitter with a .611 OPS, and he is considered a strong defender.