Gibbons catches case of prospect fever

John Gibbons is usually in an upbeat mood, that is unless you disparage Texas or country music.

But the Blue Jays manager’s temperament was more positive than usual Wednesday when he was asked about the catching talent in Toronto’s system. Gibbons, a former major-league catcher himself, ran off a list of three young catchers — Reese McGuire, Danny Jansen and Max Pentecost — whom he believes are potential stars in the making and not too far off from making the majors.

“Jansen came into his own last year, ran through the system,” said Gibbons. “Pentecost is finally out there playing. He was a big pick of ours a few years ago, but he always had injuries, but now he’s starting to play. He always has been a good hitter. McGuire we picked up a couple of years (ago). I loved everything I saw about him last year in spring training.”

McGuire, 22, whom the Jays acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Drew Hutchison deal, was named the sixth-best catching prospect by MLB heading into the 2017 season. Though he appeared in only 45 games last year, he hit a career-high six homers with a .295 average and 28 RBIs.

Jansen, 22, played at three levels in the minors, finishing at tripleA Buffalo, where he hit .328 in 21 games with a .975 OPS.

Pentecost, 24, was a first-round pick in 2014 and is finally progressing after suffering through injuries.

None are expected to start the season with Toronto. Luke Maile is slated to back up Russell Martin this season.

The Jays signed left-hander Jaime Garcia to a one-year, $8-million deal Thursday. The contract includes a club option for 2019. Garcia split last season with the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees, recording a 4.41 ERA in 27 starts and 157 innings.

Gibbons suggested outfield prospects Anthony Alford, Dwight Smith Jr. and J.D. Davis will start the season in triple-A perhaps with Teoscar Hernandez and/or Dalton Pompey.