Blue Jays Free Agent Targets

So far, this has been a very quiet off-season for the Jays. Their most significant move was trading away Aledmys Diaz for pitching prospect Trent Thornton. They've made a couple small waiver pickups, signed a young prospect, and really, nothing else. So, what's happening? What changes are they going to make? How will their 25 man roster look different next year? Let's take a look.

This seasons free agent class is very strong, with the most commonly heard names being Harper, Machado, Corbin, and a few others. Logically, the Blue Jays wouldn't pursue someone like that at this point in their rebuild. It's simply too soon. I personally thought they wouldn't pursue any big names at all, but I guess I'm wrong. Let's dig into some potential targets.

Dallas Keuchel. This one isn't an original idea. This was a legitimate rumour that took me by surprise. The Jays have very significant interest in Dallas Keuchel. The 2015 Cy Young award winner is currently 30 years old (31 in January), and coming off of a fairly strong season where he went 12-11 with a 3.74 ERA while throwing over 200 innings. If it counts for anything, he also won a gold glove. Although the rumour of the Jays having interest in him took me by surprise, it doesn't mean it is a bad move. I would actually be thrilled if the Jays signed him. Keuchel is easily among the best pitchers in the AL. His reputation was ruined a little bit after his Cy Young season, where in the very next season his era bloated out to 4.55. Although he recovered from that, people haven't really thought of him the same since. A year later in 2017 his ERA was 2.90, and he went 14-5 to help the Astros to the world series. He would be a good addition to the Jays roster, and could be a strong comeback candidate. I would expect a strong season out of him, especially looking at the kind of success Happ had in the AL East. If the Jays could sign him for something like $15-$18 million per year for 3 years or so, it would be well worth the test.

Yangervis Solarte. For those who don't know, the Jays non-tendered Solarte, making him an unrestricted free agent. Although a reunion is unlikely, it is possible. I would not be a big fan of this move myself, but it has its reasons. Solarte is a fan favourite. That is something the Jays are missing right now. Also, coming off a relatively poor season, Solarte might return for cheap. It would be worth it, as we could have him play third until the front office is ready to bring up Vlad Jr. Then he might make a good trade chip, fetching a low end prospect in return if the contract is cheap enough. There is also some room for him after the Diaz trade. Maybe not a great addition, but on a one year deal, it might be a good fit.

Jose Bautista. Yes, you read that right. The former Jays slugger is once again a free agent, coming off a season where he hit 13 home runs with a .203 average (if you take away his time with the Braves, it rises significantly). He would be a great fit for numerous reasons. Like I said with Solarte, the Jays don't really have a fan favourite. Second, the Jays could use a bench option for the outfield. Third, he would be so, so cheap right now. Lastly, Bautista loves Toronto. He has spent quite a bit of time this offseason hanging out with his former teammates (most notably Marcus Stroman), even travelling throughout Canada. It seems like a great match. Why not make it happen? Unfortunately, there haven't been many rumours about this reunion, but is would be a great fit.

J.A. Happ. Yet another familiar name. The Blue Jays have been linked to Happ ever since the trade went down. They really want him to come back. Unfortunately, it will likely take a 3 year deal, which wouldn't be very favourable, as Happ is currently 36. At that age, it doesn't really seem like the kind of player a rebuilding team would want to pursue. In all honesty, as much of a fan I am of Happ, I don't think this is a great move, and should be passed on. Sorry Happ.

These next few might make me sound a bit insane, but hear me out.

Zach Britton. Arguably one of the best relievers in the American League. Britton pitched year for the Orioles, and the Yankees, ending the season with a 3.10 ERA (2.88 since joining the Yankees). He is currently 30 years old, seems to be a good fit for the Jays. For years and years, the Jays have struggled with left handed bullpen arms, with Aaron Loup filling the void most frequently during that time. This offseason, Loup was traded to Philly, leaving Tim Mayza as the only lefty reliever on the 40 man roster. The Jays signing Britton could finally fill that void. Plus, a one two punch of Britton and Giles late in games could be a deadly combo near the end of games. The only concern to me in this deal wouldn't be the money value, but instead Britton's age, which still isn't a major concern. Britton would likely be able to go strong until around 34 years old, which could be perfect for the Jays needs, and for a contract length. I could picture the Blue Jays jumping back into contention within 2-3 years, and Britton could be an important piece in the mix. If the Jays could front load his contract, leaving little near the end, this could work out perfectly. Britton might even be an important piece in making sure the team is successful sooner rather then later.

Craig Kimbrel. A big late inning arm is always important. Look at all of the last few world series teams. Royals - Wade Davis. Cubs - Chapman. Dodgers - Red Sox - Kimbrel. The keyword here is what came before Kimbrel. The words "Red Sox." Although any team could use good arms, Kimbrel might not be the best fit, as the Jays are rebuilding (an unlike Britton, Kimbrel is looking for a monsterous contract). Plus, Kimbrel, like Giles, is right handed. It isn't a serious place of need. However, it looks the most likely that Kimbrel returns to the Red Sox, which is the problem. The main point of this deal would simply be to take Kimbrel from the Red Sox, so that once the Blue Jays have to content, not only will they have possibly the best closer in baseball, but also they won't have to face him. Plus, it will weaken the powerhouse division rival. So the ultimate question to ask here would be "it is worth it to rip Kimbrel away from the Red Sox?" Choice is up to you.

Bryce Harper. I get it. This sounds insane. However, sometimes insane is good, and this time, it might just be golden. Bryce Harper has generated little interest since hitting the market. The teams who seemed to be most likely to sign him are resisting (Yankees, Nationals, etc.), and the teams who are interested, don't seem interested in giving him his $300 million contract. So, maybe it would be smart for the Blue Jays to step in here. Harper, a former MVP award winner, is a 26 year old right fielder known for his extreme potential, and his attitude. Harper is an extreme power bat, with loads of potential with his contact (proved when he hit .330 in his MVP season). The thing that teams are most afraid of however, is his inconsistency. For the Jays, it just might just be worth the risk. After all, Harper might be a "once in a generation type talent." Maybe a change of scenery is all he needs. With the Jays new coaching staff specifically geared towards development for Vlad, and other major prospects, this could be all that's needed to propel Harper forward. Now for the contract part. It would be likely we would sign Harper to a contract around 10 years, $250 million in order to convince him to come north of the boarder. It looks worth it to me. Being that he is 26, he will be in his prime when the team is ready to contend. He will be the future Donaldson. Plus, the Jays outfield prospects are really weak compared to their infield prospects. This would be a major move which could easily push the Jays into contention as soon as in two years once paired with Vlad. Vlad and Harper are two talents who don't come around very often. Teaming them together could be deadly. Isn't it worth the risk? It's a huge yes from me.