2:24pm: Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos told reporters, including Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, that the Royals claimed Bonifacio off waivers and a trade came together quickly this morning. The trade will be completed by mid-September, and it sounds like the Jays will receive cash (Twitter links).
12:07pm: The Royals announced that they have acquired Emilio Bonifacio from the Blue Jays in exchange for cash or a player to be named later. Bonifacio's name popped up in trade talk in late July but he wasn't moved prior to the non-waiver deadline.
Bonifacio, 28, came to Toronto in the offseason blockbuster with the Marlins. The versatile veteran hasn't performed well north of the border, however, hitting just .218/.258/.321 on the year with three homers. While Bonifacio has never been known for his bat, his .271/.332/.345 slash line in four years with the Marlins was considerably better than what he's done in 2013.
Bonifacio is earning $2.6MM as a second-year arbitration eligible player and KC will be on the hook for the prorated portion of his salary which comes out to about $654K. The Wasserman Media Group client has one more year of arbitration eligibility ahead of him and can hit the open market following the 2014 campaign.
The switch-hitter has spent significant time at the three outfield posiions, second base, third base, and shortstop. The deal brings Bonifacio to the same organization as his younger brother, Jorge, who is an outfielder at Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
Steve Adams contributed to this post.
