Blue Jays Trade Tracker and Free Agency: Recent Signings, News, Rumours
In 2022, the Toronto Blue Jays made their return to the playoffs but were quickly defeated by the Seattle Mariners in just two games of the American League Wild Card Series.
While there were positive aspects to the season, it was disappointing given the expectations that the club had in spring training.
This is why Toronto’s roster was restructured in recent months. Ross Stripling, Gabriel Moreno Jr., Teoscar Hernandez, Lourdes Garriel Jr. and Gabriel Moreno are no longer on the team. Daulton Varsho and Brandon Belt, Erik Swanson, Erik Swanson, and Chris Bassitt are some of the new players.
Although the heavy lifting has been done by the Blue Jays, there are still fine-tuning tasks to be completed before the 2023 campaign. As the offseason progresses, we’ll keep you informed with the latest news and analysis.
January 12,
Bullpen with more depth
Jay Jackson, a 35-year-old relief pitcher for the Blue Jays, is being offered a contract by the team. He was with the Atlanta Braves during the 2022 season. Toronto signed him to a minor league deal that included an invitation to MLB spring training. per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Jackson was a part of two MLB games last year for the Braves, but he pitched well in Triple-A with a 2.29 ERA in 19 appearances and an 11.4 K/9 rate. Jackson has had a career that spans four seasons, with a 4.21 ERA. He is likely to start the 2023 campaign for the triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
January 10,
Blue Jays add DFA two players to their depth starter lineup
The Blue Jays acquired The Pittsburgh Pirates traded Zach Thompson, pitcher, for Chavez Young (minor-league outfielder). Thompson was a part of the Pirates’ 29-game roster, with 22 starts. He posted a record of 3-10 with a 5.18 ERA. In 56 career games, Thompson has a 4.44 ERA.
In 2023, it’s best for him to not be forced into action at the MLB level. But he is capable of filling in briefly if injuries occur.
Toronto designated Junior Fernandez, a pitcher, for assignment in order to make room for Thompson on their 40-man roster. Julian Merryweather, a relief pitcher, was also DFA’d by the team to make way for Brandon Belt.
January 9,
Jays add World Series pedigree
The Blue Jays made a surprise signing Brandon Belt, an experienced first baseman. one-year deal worth $9.3 million. Belt spent 12 years with the San Francisco Giants and won two World Series titles.
Belt, now 34 years old with a long injury history, will spend most of his time as a designated hitter. However, he can also play first base when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is not around. Belt can also be a reliable pinch-hitting weapon when he’s not in the lineup. Toronto has more lineup balance with his left-handed bat and his playoff experience should prove to be an intangible asset.
December 23
Toronto is still open for position players
The Blue Jays don’t stop adding players even after Daulton Varsho was traded. according to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith. This is Toronto’s current lineup.
C: Danny Jansen
1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2B: Santiago Espinal
SS: Bo Bichette
3B: Matt Chapman
LF: Daulton Varsho
CF: Kevin Kiermaier
RF: George Springer
DH: Alejandro Kirk
Bench: Whit Merrifield and Cavan Biggio; Otto Lopez; Nathan Lukes
The Blue Jays’ regulars seem set if everyone is well, but there are still plenty of spots for the Blue Jays to fill between now and spring training.
Blue Jays land Varsho, but give up a lot
Two days before Christmas, the Blue Jays made quite a splash. acquiring Daulton Varsho from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Varsho provides Toronto with the left-handed impact bat it needs and is a great outfield defense. It was a high-cost move, as the Blue Jays returned top prospect Gabriel Moreno and veteran infielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from Toronto to Arizona.
December 19
Conforto Blue Jays link
Michael Conforto, one of the most prominent outfielders on the market, is still available for free. The Blue Jays are interested in him. according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Conforto was injured in the shoulder and missed 2022. He was only average in 2021 but had extremely productive seasons from 2017-20. Toronto should have him because of the offensive upside that he could bring as a left-handed batter.
December 14
Bassitt, not the final rotate add?
Blue Jays could be ready to start spring training with a rotation that includes Alek Manoah and Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt, Chris Bassitt, Yusei Kikuchi/Mitch White. But, they may not stop trying to improve this group. The team is monitoring Johnny Cueto, a veteran right-hander. according to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Cueto had 25 starts with the Chicago White Sox in 2022. He posted a 3.35 ERA. The 36-year old was able to post impressive numbers, despite striking out just 5.8 batters every nine innings. The Rogers Centre All-Star two-time All-Star brings a lot of experience as well as a highly entertaining pitch delivery.
December 12
Toronto catchers draw “significant attention”
It has been reported that the Blue Jays may be looking for a catcher of MLB-calibre in offseason. Teams are still interested in Alejandro Kirk (Danny Jansen), Gabriel Moreno (Gabriel Moreno). according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Sean Murphy was traded from the Oakland Athletics the Atlanta Braves. This transaction provided another buffer on the market for catcher-needy clubs, so Blue Jays phones should ring a bit more now that there are no other options. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi pegged Potential matches include the Arizona Diamondbacks (or Chicago Cubs), and the Cleveland Guardians (or Cleveland Guardians).
Blue Jays Add Bassitt
The Blue Jays have added stability to their starting rotation with the agreement to a three-year, $63 million deal Chris Bassitt. Bassitt was a pitching coach for the New York Mets from 2022 to 2022. He had a 3.42 ERA in 30 starts. Bassitt has been a consistent starter in the majors ever since 2015, posting a career 3.45 ERA.
The 33-year-old will slide into the middle of the Blue Jays’ rotation behind co-aces Alek Manoah And Kevin Gausman. Toronto’s staff also includes Jose Berrios, who will be looking for a bounce-back season after a rocky 2022 campaign. Yusei Kikuchi And Mitch White There are still options available for the fifth-starter position.
December 10
Jays acquire a left-handed bat to use in the outfield
Saturday’s outfield hole was addressed by the Blue Jays on Saturday agreeing to a deal According to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi: Kevin Kiermaier, a veteran.
Kiermaier spent his entire career with Tampa Bay Rays. He quickly became a respected outfielder in the majors. He is the proud recipient of three Gold Gloves, as well as the American League Platinum Glove (2015), which is an annual award to the best overall defender from each league.
His career batting lines of.248/.308/.407 show that the 32-year-old has not been a great offensive player. In 2022, he hit.228 and had a.649 OPS. However, he was only able to play 63 games because of a hip injury.
December 8
Toronto to target Arizona outfielder
With the Cardinals no longer a realistic trade partner in a catcher-for-outfielder swap, the Blue Jays are one of roughly 10 teams calling the Arizona Diamondbacks for outfield help, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. Daulton Varsho (Jake McCarthy) and Alek Thomas are three of the Arizona players who are being sought after.
December 7
A long-rumored trade partner changes direction
Due to their need for catcher after Yadier Molina’s retirement, the St. Louis Cardinals were linked with the Blue Jays for several months. The Cardinals have several young outfielders, including Dylan Carlson or Lars Nootbaar that could have been of interest for the Blue Jays. It would have made sense to swap one of Toronto’s catchers for an outfielder, but St. Louis chose to sign Willson Contreras, a star backstop. five-year, $87.5 million deal.
Jays was a finalist in Jansen’s?
Kenley Jansen eventually signed a two year deal with the Boston Red Sox. The Blue Jays, however, were reportedly considered finalist for the veteran closer. per David Vassegh of SportsNet LA.
Toronto’s interest in Jansen is fascinating, given that the right-hander spent most of the decade as a ninth inning weapon. Although the Blue Jays appear to be closer to Jordan Romano’s All Star season, it is possible that they are willing move Jansen into a position where he can appear in high-leverage spots regardless of the inning.
December 6
Boras weighs-in on Blue Jays
Scott Boras, the baseball agent extraordinaire, met with Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae & Ben Nicholson Smith to discuss the fact that the team is now more focused on offensive pitchers than on pitchers. Boras also confirmed that the Jays were interested in Joey Gallo and Brandon Nimmo outfielders. Before Cody Bellinger, Cody Bellinger was on their radar. landed with the Chicago Cubs.
Brantley, would you like to try again?
The Blue Jays were very close to signing Michael Brantley, a veteran outfielder, in 2021. some reports Even calling it a done deal back then. Brantley signed a two year deal with the Houston Astros. However, he now finds himself on the open market and the Blue Jays have begun to pursue him. per Nicholson-Smith.
Brantley will be 36 years old next season. He was only able to play 64 games in 2022 because of a shoulder injury. Although he isn’t a power hitter, he still manages to hit for a good.300 average and can take walks as a lefty hitter. He is not sure how much outfield he will be able to play, but he could fill in for a designated hitter. Brantley is not likely to be a long-term commitee due to his injury history and age.
Blue Jays in Japan: Masataka Yoshida, Japanese outfield star
The Jays are one of a number of teams The MLB announced on Wednesday that Masataka Yoshida (a star Japanese outfielder) would be posted to the site. The lefty had 21 home runs and 89 RBIs last season while playing for the Orix Buffaloes (NPB)
Yoshida has until January 20th to sign a contract with an MLB team. He is expected to earn over $20 million in salary.
December 5
Reynolds sweepstakes: Blue Jays in it
Bryan Reynolds, Pittsburgh Pirates’ outfielder, requested a trade last week. The Blue Jays were named as a “team of the year” by Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Reynolds is a switch-hitter and would increase the Blue Jays’ offensive stability. Toronto will therefore be bidding against many other teams. Morosi believes that Reynolds would be available if the Jays included one of Orelvis Martinez or Ricky Tiedemann, two highly-regarded prospects.
He hit.262 last season with a.807 OPS, 27 home runs and a total of 145 runs. It was his lowest year. He will be under team control until the 2025 campaign.
Jays have lefty starters on the table
Update: Heaney is reportedly joining the Texas Rangers
Toronto currently has two gaps in its 2023 start rotation. Ross Stripling is a free agent while Mitch White and Yusei Kikuchi are not showing enough to be considered for a guaranteed spot. Andrew Heaney, a southpaw, has been offered to fill one of these roles. according to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith. According to reports, the Blue Jays were one of 10 teams that expressed interest in the 31 year-old.
Heaney enjoyed a terrific — albeit injury-shortened — 2022 campaign for the Los Angeles Dodgers, posting a 3.10 ERA and 13.6 K/9 rate in 16 games. Jays would not consider him a safe signing because of his poor track record, but he could have a great future if he stays healthy.
Toronto was “engaged” to Verlander right up until the end
Justin Verlander was the winner signing an enormous contract On Monday, the New York Mets hosted the Blue Jays. However, it seems like they were still in the hunt for the winning team until the very end. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reports Toronto was still engaged with Verlander as of Sunday night. Nicholson Smith stated that he had heard that Verlander would be offered a multiyear contract by the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays missed out on Gibson — again
The Blue Jays didn’t miss Verlander, but they also missed Kyle Gibson, the new Baltimore Orioles pitcher. per Nicholson-Smith. Gibson was previously a target for Toronto in 2019, before he signed with Texas Rangers.
In 2022, the Philadelphia Phillies’ 35-year-old pitcher had a 5.05 ERA with 31 starts.
Twins have called Blue Jays catchers
The Blue Jays currently have three catchers with MLB-caliber skills on their team in Alejandro Kirk and Gabriel Moreno, while the Minnesota Twins reached out to see if they could free one of them, Darren Wolfson, SKOR North Radio, and 5 Eyewitness News report. in his latest podcast. The Twins allegedly reached out to the Oakland Athletics as well as the Atlanta Braves in an inquiry about their backstops.
Minnesota and Toronto would be familiar after forming a partnership for the Jose Berrios Trade in 2021.
November 21
Blue Jays are in the mix to be a former MVP?
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that Toronto is interested in Cody Bellinger, the 2019 National League MVP. This comes after Bellinger was not offered by the Los Angeles Dodgers last Wednesday. The Blue Jays have not yet indicated if they are actually looking into the free agent or if they are serious about it.
Scott Boras claims Bellinger’s agent is his client already been offered multi-year contracts But, he would rather sign a one year deal to rebuild his worth before he gets paid next winter.
Bellinger’s output has dropped off a cliff over the past few years, and he saw his production fall to.210/.265/.389 for 2022. Although he fills a niche in the outfield and is left-handed, it would be a risky deal for Toronto to sign him.
November 16
Teoscar Hernandez was traded to Mariners
Toronto traded outfielder Teoscar Martinez to the Seattle Mariners, in exchange for relief pitcher Erik Swanson (and pitching prospect Adam Macko). Swanson’s record was 3-2 and he had a 1.68 ERA in 53.2 inning for Seattle in 2022. Macko’s High A record saw him score 38 runs.
Jays are interested in Nimmo
Morosi reports that the Jays are interested IN Brandon Nimmo, a free agent.
Nimmo, aged 29, was able to hit 16 homers and record 64 RBIs. In 151 games, Nimmo slashed.274/.367/.433 with the New York Mets in 2022. Nimmo will be able to fill in at center field, which will allow George Springer move into the right-field spot left vacant by Hernandez.
November 15
Jays tweak with 40-man roster
On Tuesday, the Blue Jays added four prospects onto their 40-man roster. They chose to protect pitcher Yosverzulueta, infielders Addison Barger and Spencer Horwitz from the Rule 5 draft. Outfielders Raimel Tapia (outfielder) and Bradley Zimmer (pitcher) were designated for assignment to make space on the roster. Foster Griffin was also released.
November 11
Heaney’s Jays are back in action
Andrew Heaney was an interest in the Blue Jays last offseason, before he finally signed with Los Angeles Dodgers. According to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-SmithToronto is a potential suitor for Heaney this year, as he has a 3.10 ERA in 14 of his 2022 starts. Heaney was able to strike out more than 35 percent of the batters he faced last year and would make a good fit for the middle of Blue Jays’s rotation.
November 8
Suarez on Blue Jays’ radar
Update: Suarez re-signed with Padres on five-year, $46 million contract
Robert Suarez, who opted to leave his San Diego Padres deal, is one of the most intriguing names in the relief marketplace. Nicholson Smith says that Toronto has the right-hander, who is hard to throw, on its radar. In 2022, the Blue Jays had no late-inning swing and miss relievers beyond closer Jordan Romano. Suarez’s strikeout rate was 31.9 percent with a 2.27 ERA.
Is there a reunion with Stripling?
Ross Stripling had an amazing 2022 campaign, and was crucial in keeping the Blue Jays’ rotation afloat following Hyun Jin Ryu’s season-ending injury. The 32-year-old is unlikely to have a better chance of securing a contract for a longer term, so it’s uncertain if the Blue Jays will make such a commitment. According to Nicholson Smith, the two sides have been in contact as they look into their options. This is a situation that you should be keeping an eye on.
Blue Jays in search of a catcher to trade?
It’s not hard to see that the Blue Jays boast an abundance of riches at the plate. Danny Jansen (Alejandro Kirk), Gabriel Moreno (Gabriel Moreno) are just a few examples. Morosi reports that rival executives believe the Jays will use that depth in order to fix other areas on the roster.
Morosi also speculated Given the interest of Willson Contreras, the star-free agent backstop for the Detroit Tigers, Toronto and Detroit could be trade partners. The Tigers could make a move north to sign Willson Contreras, and then send a reliefr to the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays on Senga
Atkins spoke at the GM meetings and said that the Blue Jays had a “strong relationship” with Japanese pitching legend Kodai Senga. Atkins hopes to get in touch Senga’s camp after free agency opens. On paper, the right-hander makes sense for Toronto. Senga dominated Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball in 2022, recording a 1.94 ERA over 144 innings.
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