Blue Jays sign Munenori Kawasaki to minor-league deal

Munenori Kawasaki, one of the most popular players to sport a Toronto Blue Jays uniform in recent years, will get another chance to earn a spot on the 25-man roster in 2015 after signing a minor-league deal with Toronto on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Kawasaki has logged 178 games with the Blue Jays since 2013, spending considerable time at both shortstop and second base while endearing himself to legions of fans.

The 33-year-old Japanese expatriate has produced 1.2 WAR over the past two seasons, compiling a .244/.327/.302 line with a 9.6 percent walk rate while contributing one defensive runs saved across stints at a handful of positions.

Kawasaki also famously delivered one of the greatest post-game interviews in franchise history.