Potential Target: Devin Mesoraco. Worth Every Penny.

Coming into this offseason, the Blue Jays were in a good spot. They have a strong farm system, and a good team. Rebuild, or contention. Whichever was chosen, they would be in a great spot. Instead, they sat on the fence, while leaning to the contending side slightly.

During the offseason, the Jays managed to retain almost all of their top 30 prospect (Connor Greene being the only one to go; in the Randell Grichuk trade). They also managed to keep their core intact. Most of what they did this offseason, was simply add depth. They got guys like Granderson, Diaz, Solarte, Albuquerque, Axford, etc. But nothing big. Maybe it's time to make a splash. Not a tidal wave (like the Yankees with Stanton, or the Red Sox with J.D), but a splash. Here is a potential suiter: Devin Mesoraco.

Over his entire career, Mesoraco has played for the Cincinnati Reds. The former all-star catcher and outfielder had looked to be really promising in his early years, which led to a 4 year, $28 million dollar extension from the Reds at a young age. Not a monster deal, but in his third year in the bigs, that is like striking gold. Good thing for him that he signed that, because he never really panned out.

After Mesoraco's all-star campaign in 2014 (where he even finished with MVP votes), he has yet to hit his stride again. In 2014, he had a .273 batting average with 25 home runs, and 80 RBI. Since (due to many injury problems, and generally poor performance), he has yet to hit more than 6 home runs in a season, and to maintain a batting average over .213. Due to injuries, and losing his starting catcher job in 2017, he has only playing in 95 games in a three year span.

So, if he has been playing so poorly, why go after him? Simple. When most people call him a bust, I call him a candidate for a comeback, at a cheap price.

Being on a rebuilding team, the Reds would be eager to shed his contract. His performance has been poor, so they would ask a low price. Plus, they have catchers. Tucker Barnhart (their starting catcher) won a gold glove award this year. Plus, they have 26 year old Stuart Turner in the waiting to take over that backup catcher role. This sets up perfectly for the team to trade Mesoraco.

With all of the factors in that last paragraph, you can start to see how Mesoraco is a low cost candidate. Now, what if I added that he is also a low risk candidate? Obviously, his price is low, so we wouldn't be giving away anything much. Second, teams could always use catchers. Injuries are so common. Thirdly, he isn't locked in long term. His contract is expiring at the end of the season. If he doesn't pan out for us, we let him go.

Now to analyze the Jays. "Why do the Jays need another catcher? They have Russ Martin!" There is so much in that sentence that makes me groan every time someone says that to me. First, all ball clubs carry two catchers. Mesoraco is a solid backup if he doesn't return to form. At worst, he has to hit better than Maile did (.146 batting average over 130 at bats). Mesoraco might not get back to the all-star game, but if he could put up solid numbers, he might be a candidate to start for the Jays. On that note, Martin is getting older. He needs more rest. With older catchers, you need to have a good replacement. Almost like a platoon, where they each play half the time. To again touch on his age, Martin is already 35, and on a clear decline (average has gone down by .010 each year, and is averaging 5 home runs less each year since coming to Toronto). Face it. As much as we hate to say it, Martin is aging. His defence behind the plate is noticeably worse as well (fewer blocks, worse/less throws to throw out base stealers). Mesoraco is only 29. He has many years of catching left in the tank.

Not convinced yet? What if I told you Mesoraco is an outfielder too? He can play left and right field. How good would this line up look vs left handed pitching with him, Pillar, and Pearce in the lineup (and maybe Grichuk)? Than Granderson can platoon. Starting to sound better?

Now, let's work on a deal! I will immediately turn my head to the Randall Grichuk trade here. All the Jays gave up was Dominic Leone, and Connor Greene. Cheap for a starting outfielder, with lots of proven success at this level, who is only 26. So how cheap will it be to get a 29 year old back up catcher with limited to no success since 2014, who has a fairly high salary which the Reds would likely love to shed ($7 millon/year)? Very.

The main structure in this deal would have to be around a prospect, and an MLB ready player, who really isn't too good. The structure is similar to the Grichuk deal. We prospect would have to be pretty young, and probably rated between 15-25 in our farm system. The MLB ready player shouldn't be much of a difference maker. More of a throw in. The prospect that comes to mind for me, is RHP Francisco Rios, who is rated 23rd in the farm system. The MLB ready player for me is Ezequiel Carrera. That might sting a bit. Don't worry, I'll explain.

Why Zeke? Simple. Carrera is already 30. He is a vet, which is useful to the Reds for their youngsters, especially if he could teach Hamilton how to hit for contact. Carrera is also on a cheap contact ($500k). It might hurt to give him up, but let me explain myself. The only other guy that might fit in this deal, is Gift Ngoepe. This can't happen. First, we just aquired him. Second, he is only 25. Third, he is an infielder. With the current roster, we need infield depth more than outfield depth. To replace a guy like Zeke, is easy. He is a fast contact hitter. He can't field, and he has no power. Simple. Think of Dalton Pompay. More powerful, faster, great fielder, fan favourite. Bit below on contact, but not a big deal. Plus, he is a switch hitter, which covers losing a lefty. Other possible replacements include Alford, Smith Jr., Teoscar Hernandez, and Granderson. Not a big loss.

So, to summarize the deal, Francisco Rios (#23 in the farm system), and Ezequiel Carrera for Mesoraco. I will admit, our side is a bit heavy, so I'll even it out. The Jays will add their #30 prospect to the list, Juan Kelly. The Reds will cover some of the Mesoraco's salary. If they cover $1 million, this is a set deal, and would be excellent if it went through.