In rapidly moving market, where might Blue Jays look next?

TORONTO – With cash flowing freely within the first 12 months of MLB’s new collective bargaining settlement, it’s a good time to be a high-end free agent.

The newest nine-figure deal – Carlos Correa’s reported 13-year, $350 million settlement with the Giants – means 4 of the 13 largest contracts in MLB historical past have been signed inside the final 10 days. Joining Correa on that listing are Aaron Judge (9 years, $360 million with the Yankees), Trea Turner (11 years, $300 million with the Phillies) and Xander Bogaerts (11 years, $280 million with the Padres).

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As for the Blue Jays, they’ve been energetic, albeit in a decrease tier, agreeing to phrases with right-hander Chris Bassitt (three years, $63 million) and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier (phrases unknown). The Blue Jays had some preliminary curiosity in Correa and Bogaerts as they typically do with elite free brokers, however by no means appeared to push for both participant.

After all, they have already got an elite shortstop in Bo Bichette and retaining him and/or Vladimir Guerrero Jr. past 2025 gained’t be low cost. We’re getting forward of ourselves, although. Following a busy stretch for the recent range, let’s examine in on the place the Blue Jays stand…

MORE PITCHING
At this level, the Blue Jays might go away their pitching alone and nonetheless start spring coaching with a playoff-calibre employees. Alek Manoah was a Cy Young Award finalist in 2022 and the Blue Jays should be thrilled with Kevin Gausman’s five-year, $110 million deal within the context of the present market. Any staff could be blissful to have Bassitt and Jose Berrios as their No. 3 and 4 starters.

Yet there’s all the time room to enhance, and no cause for the Blue Jays to cease on the lookout for assist now. They’ve been exhibiting curiosity in some high-upside relievers since including Erik Swanson in commerce, in order that’s an space to observe.

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Plus, they will not be carried out including beginning pitching even after touchdown Bassitt on a deal meaning they’ve dedicated almost $100 million to their ’23 rotation. One cause for the expense: apart from Manoah, a first-round decide, and Berrios, who was acquired in commerce, all the group was acquired in free company (Gausman, Bassitt, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Yusei Kikuchi).

All however Ryu are beneath contract for 2024, so the Blue Jays might not should spend as a lot on rotation assist subsequent winter, particularly if 20-year-old prospect Ricky Tiedemann can emerge as a legit contributor. But within the meantime, there’s a necessity for stability, which leaves the Blue Jays open to additional beginning pitching provides, too.

Along these strains, sources stated they’ve proven latest curiosity in Johnny Cueto, who posted a 3.35 ERA in 158.1 innings with the White Sox final 12 months.

MORE PAYROLL
Speaking of spending, the Blue Jays’ pending take care of Bassitt makes clear what’s appeared possible all low season. For the primary time in franchise historical past, staff payroll will exceed $200 million in 2023.

In truth, relying on the place Kiermaier’s dedication lands and what else the Blue Jays do, they might find yourself over the $233 million aggressive stability tax in what could be one other first for the franchise.

FanGraphs’ payroll tracker already has them at $225 million earlier than accounting for Kiermaier or any additional strikes. Last week staff president Mark Shapiro stated the CBT was “not an obstacle” for possession at Rogers Communications, Inc., which additionally owns Sportsnet.

“The help and the expansion of that payroll is unprecedented within the historical past of the franchise and it continues to be very sturdy,” Shapiro stated.

MORE OFFENCE
There’s nothing new to report right here, but it surely’s price re-stating the plain: the Blue Jays would appear like a extra full staff with one other bat in place. Among the gamers who’ve been on their radar, Michael Brantley and Michael Conforto make sense whereas Joey Gallo might be intriguing in additional of a platoon position.

CATCHING MARKET MOVING
The marketplace for catchers has moved shortly, with St. Louis (Willson Contreras), Minnesota (Christian Vazquez), Atlanta (Sean Murphy) and Cleveland (Mike Zunino) all touchdown backstops inside the final week.

For a Blue Jays staff with three younger catchers, these developments are important – in truth, they might give GM Ross Atkins & Co. some leverage in commerce talks. Because with due respect to free brokers Austin Hedges, Tucker Barnhart and Roberto Perez, the Blue Jays’ catching trio of Danny Jansen, Alejandro Kirk and Gabriel Moreno is extra interesting.

One supply with first-hand information of the catching market described the Cubs, Diamondbacks, Tigers, Giants and Padres as groups at that place. It stands to cause the Astros would even be in that group after seeing Vazquez go away for the Twins.

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All low season, the Blue Jays have stated they’re open to preserving all three catchers and determining taking part in time on the go, however beneath the best circumstances they’d make a deal. And at this level, it appears to be like just like the catching market runs by means of Toronto.

More from Sportsnet

Bassitt’s distinctive arsenal, misleading mindset bolster Blue Jays rotation

Analyzing what Kevin Kiermaier can convey to the Blue Jays in 2023

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