Blue Jays Free Agent Options

As we enter the 2^nd month of free agency, Blue Jays fans are still waiting patiently to see what GM Ross Atkins and President Mark Shapiro have planned with regards to new signings. There are not too many big names leaving the Jays via free agency this year. Most notable players are first baseman Justin Smoak and starting pitcher Clay Buchholz. The Jays are not expected to resign either of these players to new contracts. It is likely that rookie first baseman Rowdy Tellez will see a majority of time at first base for the 2020 season, and the Blue Jays are expected to be in the market for new starting pitchers. The Blue Jays are in an ideal position financially, as their 2020 payroll is projected to be just $54.8 million, which ranks 3^rd lowest in the league and roughly $55 million below the league average. They’ve got lots of payroll room to work with, so let’s explore some options the Jays could pursue: 

1. Gerrit Cole, Starting Pitcher 

Cole is the top free agent pitcher available, and is expected to command a record-breaking deal when he finally does sign. Cole is coming off a monster year where he led the league in strikeouts (326), strikeout percentage (39.9%) and strikeouts per nine innings (13.818). He finished the season with a 20-5 record, authoring a 2.50 ERA and 0.895 WHIP. Those numbers earned him a 2^nd place finish in AL Cy Young voting and are worth big dollars. The rumour is it will take a contract in the 7 to 8-year, $230 million range to acquire his services. Luckily for the Jays, they’ve got lots of financial room to work with, and this could be something they have the resources to pull off. An ace like Cole would be a great anchor to the rotation, especially once the Blue Jays are out of their rebuild and become competitive again.

 2. Hyun-Jin Ryu, Starting Pitcher 

Ryu is not the flashy pitcher that Cole is, but he is still a top-of-the-rotation arm. And the best part is, he would not be nearly as expensive as Cole. Ryu is coming off one of his best seasons as well, having led the league in ERA (2.32). Like Cole, he finished 2^nd in NL Cy Young voting, and is expected to fetch a contract in the 3 to 4-year, $50-$60 million range. Ryu w

ill be 33 years old during the 2020 season, so if the Jays are looking for a fairly affordable & veteran pitcher, Ryu may be the perfect fit.

3. Edwin Encarnacion, First Base/DH 

I’m sure you all recognize this name. Encarnacion was a fan favourite in Toronto before he landed a 3-year deal with the Cleveland Indians in 2017. Now a free agent again, a reunion with the Jays could be on the horizon. With a vacancy at first base due to Justin Smoak leaving, Encarnacion could split time at the position with rookie Rowdy Tellez. He is also entering his age 37 season, and could be a great presence in the clubhouse to tutor many of the Jays young hitters. I’m sure fans would welcome him back with open arms – I know I would!