Blue Jays trade tracker and free agency: The latest news, signings, and 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 positives to be taken from 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.
The heavy lifting of the Blue Jays is over, but there’s still much to be done before the 2023 campaign. We will keep you updated with all the latest news as well as rumours and analysis throughout the offseason.
January 12,
The bullpen has 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 signed him to a minor league deal that included 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. He has spent four seasons in major leagues during his career and posted a 4.21 ERA. He is expected to join the triple-A Buffalo Bisons in 2023.
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 if injuries do occur, he can fill in for a short time.
Toronto designated Junior Fernandez pitcher for assignment in order for Thompson to be on the 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
In a surprising move, the Blue Jays signed Brandon Belt, a veteran 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, with a long history of injuries. He will be spending most of his time at designated batter but can also mix in at first when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. needs some rest. Belt can also be used as a legitimate pinch-hitter on days when he isn’t starting. 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 is still open for 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 (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. In return, the Blue Jays sent Gabriel Moreno (a top prospect) and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (a veteran outfielder) to Arizona.
December 19
Conforto Blue Jays are linked
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 suffered a shoulder injury that prevented him from playing the entire 2022 season. However, he was very productive in 2017-20 and 2021. Toronto should have him because of the offensive upside that he could bring as a left-handed batter.
December 14
Bassitt is not the final rotation?
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. Johnny Cueto, an experienced right-hander, is on the team’s radar. 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. Two-time All-Star, the two-time All-Star will bring a lot of experience and a very entertaining pitch delivery to Rogers Centre.
December 12
Toronto catchers draw “significant attention”
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. Bassitt has been a consistent starter in the majors ever since 2015, posting a 3.45 ERA.
The 33-year-old will slide into the middle of the Blue Jays’ rotation behind co-aces Alek Manoah 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 Mitch White There are options for the fifth-starter job.
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 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.248/.308/.407 runs demonstrates that the 32-year-old has never been a great offensive player. A hip injury limited him to 63 games. He hit.228 with an OPS of.649 in 2022.
December 8
Toronto to sign 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
Long-rumoured trade partner changes direction
After Yadier Molinari’s retirement, the St. Louis Cardinals had been linked to the Blue Jays over several weeks. The Cardinals are home to several promising young outfielders such as Dylan Carlson or Lars Nootbaar. Although it would have been a natural match, swapping one of Toronto’s three catchers in favor of an outfielder would have seemed logical. However, St. Louis signed star backstop Willson Conreras instead. five-year, $87.5 million deal.
Jays were a finalist at Jansen.
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 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 the Jays are interested in outfielders Brandon Nimmo and Joey Gallo. Before Cody Bellinger, Cody Bellinger was on their radar. landed with the Chicago Cubs.
Brantley, would you like to try 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, who turns 36 in the next season, was limited to 64 games in 2022 after sustaining a shoulder injury. Although he doesn’t have much power, he can still hit for.300 and walk as a left-handed 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’s age and history of injury shouldn’t make him a long-term committee.
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 scored 21 runs and had 89 RBIs with the Orix Buffaloes, NPB’s last season.
Yoshida will have to agree to a deal between an MLB club and MLB until Jan. 20, but is expected to make 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 have been labelled as a “team worth watching” 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.
The 27-year old hit.262 and had a.807 OPS. He also scored 27 runs in 145 games. This was his lowest season. Through the 2025 campaign, he will be under team supervision.
Jays offer lefty starters a table at their home
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 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 be cautious in signing him since his record prior to last season was not great, but he still has high ceiling potential if he is healthy.
Toronto was “engaged with Verlander” until the end
Justin Verlander was the winner signing an enormous contract While the New York Mets won Monday’s game, it sounds like the Blue Jays remained in the hunt right up until the last hour. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reports Toronto “remained engaged” with the right-hander’s ace right-hander until Sunday. Nicholson Smith said he heard Verlander was interested in a multi-year deal with the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays missed out on Gibson — again
Verlander was not the only Blue Jays starter that they missed, as they were also “involved to the end” with Kyle Gibson, new Baltimore Orioles pitch. per Nicholson-Smith. Gibson expressed an interest in Toronto before signing with the Texas Rangers in 2019.
In 2022, the 35-year old pitched to a 5.05 ERA in 31 starts for Philadelphia Phillies.
Twins called Blue Jays catchers
The Blue Jays currently have three catchers with MLB-calibre 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. 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 from MLB Network claims that Toronto has expressed an interest in Cody Bellinger following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ non-tendered 2019 National League MVP. The Blue Jays have not yet indicated if they are looking into the possibility of a free agent or if there is serious interest.
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 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 gamble to sign him for Toronto.
November 16
Teoscar Hernandez was traded to Mariners
Toronto sold Teoscar Hernandez, a star outfielder, to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Erik Swanson and Adam Macko, a relief pitcher. 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 keen to see Nimmo
According to Morosi, the Jays are interested in OF Brandon Nimmo as a free agent.
Nimmo, 29 years old, hit 16 home runs and had 64 RBIs. He slashed.274/.367/.433 over 151 games in 2022 with the New York Mets. 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 struck out more than 35 per cent of the hitters that he faced in his last season, and would be a great fit for the middle part of the Blue Jays’ 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 interesting names on the relief marketplace. According to Nicholson Smith, Toronto is interested in the hard-throwing right-hander. It’s easy for them to see the match. The Blue Jays bullpen was lacking late-inning swing-and miss relievers, as Jordan Romano was closer in 2022. Suarez had a 31.9 per cent strikeout rate and 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 are looking to trade a catcher?
The Blue Jays boast an embarrassment in riches, with Alejandro Kirk (Danny Jansen), Gabriel Moreno and Gabriel Moreno being all high-calibre catchers. Morosi reports that rival executives believe the Jays will use that depth in order to fix other areas on the roster.
Morosi also speculated The interest in Willson Contreras star free agent backstop by the Detroit Tigers suggests that Toronto and Detroit might be interested in trading 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 anticipates being in touch with Senga’s camp when free agency opens. The right-hander would make sense to Toronto on paper. Senga dominated Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball in 2022, recording a 1.94 ERA over 144 innings.
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