Blue Jays trade tracker and free agency: The latest news, signings, and rumours
The Toronto Blue Jays were back in the playoffs in 2022, but they were quickly overthrown by the Seattle Mariners during two games in the American League Wild Card Series.
Although there were many positives, the campaign fell short of the expectations placed on the club by spring training.
In light of this, Toronto’s roster underwent a major overhaul in recent months. The likes Teoscar Hernandez and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Gabriel Moreno, and Ross Stripling are no longer part of 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, 35, is being considered by the Blue Jays as a potential reliever. Jackson spent the 2022 season in Atlanta with the Braves. Toronto offered him a minor-league contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training. per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Jackson played in two MLB games last season for the Braves. He pitched well in triple A with a 2.29 ERA (and 11.4 K/9 rates) in 19 outings. 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 welcome DFA two to their team as a depth starter
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, the 29-year old has a 4.44 ERA.
In 2023, it’s best for him to not be forced into action at the MLB level. But he’s still capable of filling in temporarily if necessary.
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 is 34 years old, has a long history of injuries and will likely spend his time at designated hitter. He can also be used as a pinch-hitter when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. needs some rest. Belt can also be a reliable pinch-hitter when he’s not in the lineup. Toronto will benefit from Belt’s left-handed bat, which gives it more balance in the lineup. His playoff experience is also a plus.
December 23
Toronto still open for new position players
The Blue Jays haven’t stopped adding players to their ranks even after they traded for Daulton Varsho. 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 and 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 it up a lot
Two days before Christmas, the Blue Jays made quite a splash. acquiring Daulton Varsho from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Varsho is Toronto’s impact left-handed bat and provides outstanding outfield defence. In return, the Blue Jays sent Gabriel Moreno (a top prospect) and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (an experienced outfielder) to Arizona.
December 19
Conforto Blue Jays tiered
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 is right to have him on their radar, considering his offensive upside as a lefty hitter.
December 14
Bassitt, not the final rotate add?
Blue Jays could arrive in spring training with a starting lineup of Alek Mannoah, Jose Berrios and Chris Bassitt. However, it is possible that they will not be satisfied trying to improve the group. Johnny Cueto, an experienced right-hander, is on the team’s radar. according to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Cueto was a Chicago White Sox pitcher who made 25 starts in 2022 and 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 attracting “significant interest”
Rumours that the Blue Jays are looking to buy one of their three MLB-calibre catchers have circulated all offseason. However, teams continue to show “significant interest” for Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen. 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 agreed to a restructure of their starting rotation to provide stability. 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. With a 3.45 ERA over 30 starts, he has been one the most consistent pitchers in major league baseball since 2015.
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
On Saturday, the Blue Jays addressed a hole in their outfield. 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 holds three Gold Gloves and was also the recipient of the American League Platinum Glove 2015, which is awarded each year to the league’s best overall defender.
His career batting lines of.248/.308/.407 show that the 32-year-old has never 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 and Jake McCarthy are the three Arizona players that are reportedly attracting interest.
December 7
A long-rumored trade partner moves in a new direction
Due to their need for a catcher after the retirement of Yadier Molina, the St. Louis Cardinals were linked with the Blue Jays for several months. The Cardinals are home to several promising young outfielders, including Dylan Carlson (pictured) and Lars Nootbaar (pictured). Although it would have been logical to trade one of Toronto’s three catchers in exchange for an outfielder this would not have been possible. St. Louis instead signed star backstop Willson Contras to a five-year, $87.5 million deal.
Jays was a finalist for Jansen
Kenley Jansen signed a two-year contract with the Boston Red Sox. However, the Blue Jays were said to be a finalist for Kenley Jansen, the veteran closer. per David Vassegh of SportsNet LA.
The Toronto interest in Jansen’s is interesting considering that the right-hander has been a ninth-inning weapon for the past decade. 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 into Blue Jays
Scott Boras, a baseball super agent, met with Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae-Smith and Ben Nicholson Smith and stated that the team is currently more focused on offensive players rather than pitchers. Boras confirmed that Jays are interested outfielders Brandon Nimmo (and Joey Gallo). Before Cody Bellinger, Cody Bellinger was on their radar. landed with the Chicago Cubs.
Brantley again?
The Blue Jays came very close to signing Michael Brantley (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. He isn’t a power hitter, but he still manages to hit for a good.300 average and can take walks as a lefty hitter. Although it’s not clear how much he can play in the outfield at this stage of his career, he can be used as a designated batter if needed. Brantley is not likely to be a long-term commitee due to his injury history and age.
Blue Jays are interested in Masataka Yoshida, a Japanese outfielder
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 involves Blue Jays
Bryan Reynolds, Pittsburgh Pirates’ outfielder, requested a trade last week. The Blue Jays have been deemed the “team to watch” in these sweepstakes according to 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 Reynolds’s acquisition would require the Jays to add one of Orelvis Martz or Ricky Tiedemann to their roster.
He hit.262 last season with a.807 OPS, 27 home runs and 145 hits in 145 games. It was his lowest year. Through the 2025 season, he is still under team control.
Jays have lefty starters on the table
Update: Heaney is reportedly joining the Texas Rangers
Toronto has two holes in its 2023 starting lineup. Ross Stripling is currently an unrestricted agent, and neither Yusei Kakuchi nor Mitch White have shown enough to merit a spot next season. Andrew Heaney, a southpaw from the club, was offered to fill one. according to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith. According to some reports, the Blue Jays are one of at most 10 teams interested 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”, with Verlander, until the end
Justin Verlander finished up 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 “remained engaged” with the right-hander’s ace right-hander until Sunday. 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.
The 35-year-old pitcher had a 5.05 ERA with 31 starts for Philadelphia Phillies in 2022.
Twins 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 have reached out to see if one of them could be traded. Darren Wolfson, SKOR North Radio, and 5 Eyewitness News report that the Twins have contacted the Blue Jays to try and get one of them off their roster. in his latest podcast. According to reports, the Twins also reached out to Atlanta Braves and Oakland Athletics to inquire 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 trying to find out if the Blue Jays are serious about the free agent.
Scott Boras is Bellinger’s agent. He claims that his client has already been offered multi-year contracts However, he would prefer to sign an one-year contract to build his value before he cashes in next winter.
Bellinger’s production has been on the decline in recent years. He saw his production drop to.210/.265/.389 by 2022. Bellinger fills a gap in the outfield, and he hits left-handed. However, signing him would be a risky move for Toronto.
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 had a record of 3-2 with a 1.68 ERA over 53.2 innings in Seattle in 2022. Macko had 38 strikeouts at High A.
Jays are interested in Nimmo
According to Morosi, the Jays are interested in OF Brandon Nimmo as 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 play 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, Bradley Zimmer, and pitcher Foster Griffin were designated for assignment in order to make room on their roster.
November 11
Heaney’s Jays are back in action
Andrew Heaney was an interest in the Blue Jays last offseason, before he was eventually signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-SmithToronto is a suitor again this year. He posted a 3.10 ERA during 14 starts in 2022. 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 is one of the most interesting names in the relief market. He opted out of his contract with the San Diego Padres. 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 a great 2022 season and helped keep the Blue Jays’ rotation in place after Hyun Jin Ryu was injured. The 32-year-old is unlikely to have a better chance of securing a contract for a longer term, so it’s uncertain if it’s worth the Blue Jays making that 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. According to Morosi, Rival executives expect the Jays use this depth to repair other areas of their 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. Perhaps the Tigers will sign that player and move their focus northward to send a replacement 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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