Blue Jays agree with ex-Red Sox SS Gonzalez

11/27 5:22 AM

Free-agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez has agreed to a one-year deal with the Blue Jays with a team option for 2011.

Free-agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez, whose midseason arrival in Boston helped the Red Sox secure a playoff spot, has signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, with a $2.5 million team option for 2011.

The agreement, first reported by FoxSports.com, came a day after backup shortstop John McDonald agreed to a $3 million, two-year deal.

Gonzalez, regarded one of the game's better defensive shortstops, began the 2009 season with the Cincinnati Reds and was traded to Boston on Aug. 14, where he hit .284 in 68 games. He batted .238 overall last season.

Gonzalez's arrival in Toronto gives the Blue Jays a viable replacement at shortstop for Marco Scutaro, who is likely to depart via free agency.

It's the second time Gonzalez has left Boston after a short stint with the Red Sox. He was the team's shortstop in 2006 before signing with the Reds.

ESPN.com senior baseball writer Jayson Stark contributed to this story.