Right-handed reliever Ryan Tepera has elected free agency, according to MLB.com’s transactions page. The Blue Jays designated Tepera on Monday, but because he has more than three years of service time, he was able to reject an outright assignment in favor of free agency.
Tepera enjoyed a long run as a member of the Blue Jays, who chose him in the 19th round of the 2009 draft. He debuted in 2015 and was especially productive from 2016-17, a 142 1/3-inning stretch in which he logged a 3.60 ERA with 9.42 K/9 and 3.48 BB/9, before falling off this season.
Elbow troubles (including late-May surgery) limited Tepera to just 21 2/3 innings in 2019, during which he posted a 4.98 ERA/6.03 FIP with a paltry 5.82 K/9 against 3.32 BB/9. The 32-year-old saw his average fastball velocity drop from the 95 mph range to 93.7 in the process, while his swinging-strike rate fell from 14 percent in 2018 to 12.6 this season. Needless to say, this isn’t an ideal time to reach free agency for Tepera, who had been projected to earn $1.6MM in arbitration before Toronto cut him loose.
Tepera was a solid bullpen piece for the Jays. He still knows how to pitch. He’ll land on his feet and probably get paid okay too. He likely won’t be elite again but I hope he’ll be very good.
someone will give him a major league contract.
No but a chance yes
That’s it. This guy was the only hope Toronto had of a good future. It’s over now. They might as well trade Vlad, Biggio and Bichette to go ahead restart the rebuild. They don’t stand a chance without this guy. If they auction off the core now they might be able to make the playoffs in about 10 or 15 years. That’s the smartest approach because it is the only hope they have. I expect all three of those guys will be announced as buy low trade candidates in the next week.
I thought you were their greatest asset. You were looking good for Bhutan’s Premier League.
he’s an invaluable clubhouse asset!
You are almost funny! Almost.
Sarcasm alert!
Keep an eye on this guy, wouldn’t be shocked if the Braves grab him. Seems like the kind of guy the Braves like to go grab and so long as it’s not for a lot of money, I’d be ok with it
AA probably already called him. I can definitely see him in ATL.
He’ll get 1.5 million I’m guessing
AA and his regime jerked around with Tepera in 2015 when he was dominating in AAA and pitching well in the majors. AA leaned on the great Scott Copeland, Jeff Francis, Todd Redmond and other garbage during a time they really needed a reliable bullpen arm. Tepera was reliable, and demoted TWICE by AA when Tepera was performing.
Put the Braves on the doubtful list. I’d be shocked to see Tepera wanting to play for a GM who didn’t think he was worth a dime.
unless, of course, Atlnoffers the most $$$
Is AA in the final year of his contract yet?
Wouldn’t be surprised if the White Sox take a chance on him.
I’ll miss him. One of my favourite Jays pitchers of the 2010’s. I hope he lands with a decent team and does well.
Korea bound
He’s not far enough removed from success at the major league level that he’d need to even consider going to Korea.
Injury risk, 32 years old, drop in velocity, FIP 4.41, career WAR of only .8. $1.6 is too much. He’s done
Perfect fit in Miami or Baltimore! Won’t get paid much over $1M by either team but he could sign a one year deal and try to build some arbitration value. Also, he could be a great buy low trade chip for either team if he’s able to find his stuff again.