Orioles announce Williams signing and trade for Gudino

NEW YORK - The Orioles are conducting more minor league business on their off-day, remaining active in trying to increase the level of talent in the system.

The club has announced the signing of outfielder Mason Williams to a minor league deal and the acquisition of infielder Yeltsin Gudino from the Blue Jays in exchange for cash considerations.

Williams is assigned to Triple-A Norfolk and Gudino to Single-A Frederick.

Gudino turned 22 in January. The native of Venezuela signed with the Blue Jays as an international free agent in July 2013 and received a $1.29 million bonus.

Over five minor league seasons, Gudino has batted .233/.310/.280 with only three home runs in 1,242 games. He's played every infield position and made one start in left field.

Most of his experience is at shortstop with 225 starts. He's started 82 games at second and 41 at third.

Baseball America ranked Gudino eighth on its top 30 international prospects list in 2013. MLB.com placed him 11th.

He was recognized as a smooth fielder at shortstop and Baseball America's Ben Badler praised his high baseball IQ.

Gudino slashed .458/.611/.833 at the U-15 World Championship in Mexico back in August 2012.

I wrote earlier about the Williams signing that is a reaction to Austin Hays' thumb injury.

Williams, 27, was in uniform today at the minor league complex. He appeared in 51 games with the Reds last summer, signed another minor league deal in January and was released two months later.

Though projected as a center fielder, Williams is capable of playing all three spots. He's a career .289/.325/.396 hitter in 76 major league games and slashed .293/.331/.398 last summer in 132 plate appearances with the Reds.

The Yankees selected Williams in the fourth round of the 2010 draft out of West Orange (Fla.) High School.

Williams' father, Derwin, played in the NFL with the New England Patriots.