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Blue Jays Interested In Brantley, Pederson, Kiner-Falefa

By Mark Polishuk | December 2, 2023 at 8:33am CDT

The Blue Jays have been linked to such high-profile names as Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Juan Soto, and others on the free agent and trade markets, yet the team isn’t only focusing on these top-tier names to address their roster needs.  According to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi, the Jays have interest in free agent outfielders Michael Brantley and Joc Pederson, as well as utilityman Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

These names have long been on the radar of Jays GM Ross Atkins, who has at least explored the possibility of acquiring all of the trio in the past.  Kiner-Falefa was targeted at the last trade deadline, Pederson was targeted during his last stint in free agency during the 2021-22 offseason, and Brantley reportedly seemed on the verge of signing with Toronto in the winter of 2020-21 before opting to return to the Astros at something of the eleventh hour.

To some extent, Brantley or Pederson could be seen as backup plans if Toronto didn’t acquire Soto, since left field is the primary defensive spot for all three players.  A world exists where the Blue Jays could trade for Soto and then sign one of the other two outfielders, with an eye towards using Brantley or Pederson primarily as a designated hitter (with Soto or George Springer also getting some DH time for partial rest days).  Such a scenario might somewhat run counter to the Jays’ focus on defense over the last year, though Daulton Varsho would still be anchoring center field, and the Jays might be willing to sacrifice some glovework to boost their middling lineup.

In the bigger picture, none of Brantley, Pederson, or Kiner-Falefa would really be obstacles to any bigger-name acquisitions the Blue Jays might have in mind.  The three veterans are all likely to be had on one-year contracts, similar to Toronto’s signings of Kevin Kiermaier or Brandon Belt last winter.

Pederson hit .235/.348/.416 with 15 home runs over 425 plate appearances for the Giants last season, as his 111 wRC+ was still quite respectable but a big step down from the 146 wRC+ posted in 2022.  It was something of an unusual year for Pederson in 2023, as he cut back on his strikeouts and increased his walk rate, but seemingly at the cost of a good chunk of his usual power.  Pederson still had some of the best hard-contact numbers of any player in the league, and a .268 BABIP and a big gap in his wOBA (.331) and his xwOBA (.366) indicates that the 31-year-old might’ve been somewhat unlucky to post only a 111 wRC+.

That said, 2022 does stand out as something of an outlier amongst Pederson’s last four seasons, and even his career in general.  Without much baserunning or defensive value, Pederson projects best as a DH (or part-time left fielder or first baseman), and limiting him to plate appearances against only right-handed pitching is preferable given his career splits.

Brantley would also have to be considered a part-time option due to his health, as shoulder surgery and recurring soreness kept Brantley out of action from June 2022 until August of last season.  He amassed 89 total PA with the Astros during the regular season and postseason, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Brantley’s eventual contract contains a lot of incentive clauses tied to playing time.  The former five-time All-Star showed only flashes of his old self at the plate in 2023, though it is possible another full offseason of rest and rehab might get Brantley back into something closer to his past form.

Kiner-Falefa is in some ways the easiest player to project of the trio, as the 28-year-old has pretty firmly established himself as a light-hitting jack of all trades who can provide at least respectable defense at a wide variety of positions.  A Gold Glove winner with the Rangers as a third baseman in 2020, IKF could be viewed by the Blue Jays as a potential glove-first replacement for Matt Chapman at the hot corner, with the Jays then presumably looking to add bigger bats to fill their other holes at second base, left field, or DH.  If Toronto doesn’t think enough of Kiner-Falefa’s bat to merit a semi-starting role, he could simply be a top utility option off the bench, giving the Blue Jays some flexibility in how hard they need to push on any one of their particular positions of need.

As usual, Atkins is seemingly keeping tabs on just about every prominent player on the market, and Davidi hears from player agents that the Blue Jays are “planning to shift quickly if needed” should their attempts at a superstar acquisition fall short.  In terms of Ohtani specifically, Davidi is doubtful the two-time AL MVP will ultimately land in Toronto, yet the Jays aren’t really costing themselves by exploring the possibility since the position-player market is moving quite slowly.  It could be that several teams and players are in the same boat as the Blue Jays in waiting on Ohtani’s decision to open up the market to a fuller extent.

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Toronto Blue Jays Isiah Kiner-Falefa Joc Pederson Michael Brantley Shohei Ohtani

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119 Comments

  1. User 3044878754

    1 year ago

    If they sign Brantley, he’ll sit out rehabbing 75% of the time on his contract…a perfect Atkins/Shapiro signing

    10
    Reply
    • Jobba 2

      1 year ago

      This comment surprised me – in my head in terms of signings they have more hits then misses , so I’m curious why you say that ? What do you consider misses ?

      1
      Reply
      • Hemlock

        1 year ago

        Ummmm
        George Springer?
        Kinda maybe sorta?

        2
        Reply
        • just_thinkin

          1 year ago

          To be fair Bassitt and Gausman are hits. Coming from an Os fan I’m jealous of their ability to sign SP.

          3
          Reply
        • Jobba 2

          1 year ago

          So yeah I’ll wait until 2024 to see if he’s washed – alot of Jays had down years but I’ll give you that George and Ryu –

          Semien – remember people questioned even on 1 yr the amount the Jays gave him , I saw many say over pay even on 1 yr coming off bad year
          Ray
          Gausman – not just performance but health
          Bassit ( only 1 year but way above expectations, but I saw alot of comments here saying it was dumb to not just re resign strip who I will use below for example but really he’s 2 , to get him and fix him and not resign because they saw it was not sustainable )
          Yusei
          KK
          I get alot of 1 yr deals but still big value for them

          And then we can look Matz coming off 9 era
          Stripling
          I know fans don’t like him but still above a 3 war player this year but Chapman had value

          5
          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          If Kikuchi gets blasted in 2024 he won’t be considered a hit with 1 good season out of 3.

          Not dealing Donaldson and others in 2017, all misses. Pillar, Smoak, many more.

          Over-assessment of Derek Fisher, miss. Randal Grichuk extension, miss. Not dealing parts in 2018, miss. Ryu, miss. Roark, miss. The Japanese pitcher nobody remembers, miss. The 2020 deadline dealing chips, miss. The 2021 deadline going all-in, miss. Mitch White, miss. Not landing a right handed outfield bat last offseason to spell Kiermaier and Varsho, miss.

          2
          Reply
        • Murphy NFLD

          1 year ago

          Yea im a jays fan and i have to say i do think its getting close to Atkins expire date But i dont understand when people say hes done a bad job. He really only has 1 big blunder in the Varsho trade he has many more wins then loses and you could do a hell of alot worse as you teams decision maker. Dealing Frasso for White was a mistake aswell

          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          Grichuk extension wasn’t a blunder? How about the non-moves committed in 2017 and even 2018? Donaldson handling not a blunder? Smart GM handles 2017 properly and the Jays make the playoffs in 2021 and potentially take the division in 2022. The Jays would be in better shape today.

          1
          Reply
        • Murphy NFLD

          1 year ago

          I dont know how much you really get for smoak or pillar, Donaldson tho should have been dealt earlier. As far Fisher amd Grichuk go they certainly wernt as good as hoped especially Fisher but what they gave up for then was nothing. Roark was money wasted big time trading Frasso for white and the Varsho deal are really his only bad moves. Its not so much that every move they made equaled 10 WAR but when you weigh when they gave for what they got there really are many more good moves made, tho i think Click should have be given the helm this off season

          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          They got nothing for Smoak by not dealing him. He had a career year with an excellent contract. Pillar had team control in 2017, played well at a premium position and was also affordable at that time. Jays had other players to deal: Happ, Leone, Barnes, Tepera, Loup, even Osuna (that deal with Houston was good for the Jays all things considered).

          Jays also did not max the Stroman trade or Happ.

          1
          Reply
        • Jaysfansince92

          1 year ago

          Let’s be honest here. They weren’t going to get much trading Smoak. Not too many teams pay a ton in prospect capital for a one year wonder. All of Pillar’s value same from his glove and it declined rapidly. They were never going to get much from either.

          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          You’re missing the point. But, Smoak in 2017 was affordable while having a big offensive season who was a reliable glove man. Had one year left of control. You’re basically excusing them for not selling high and gaining nothing holding him – and for no reason. Pillar too. At midseason 2017 they get a better haul than the SF Giants trade early 2019.

          The point: when your team is done, trade guys at peak or close to it. Jays did none of the above, and the team is paying for it. What, Jays couldn’t deal a better reliever than Josh Fields for an unknown Yordan Alvarez? Point is, stack chips in 2017 and either find a gem or deal later on. Do nothing, achieve nothing.

          Reply
        • RandalGrichuksStubble

          1 year ago

          Grichuk make the team better looking. Can you truly put a price on that?

          No, I didn’t think so.

          2
          Reply
        • mr. sports

          1 year ago

          plenty of people remember shun yamaguchi ok please speak for yourself

          1
          Reply
        • bullred

          1 year ago

          its_hindsight is back with some of his spot on hindsight. Lol.

          Reply
        • bullred

          1 year ago

          its_hindsight likes to nitpick every little thing . He’s like my aunty.

          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          Jays shouldn’t have sold any assets in 2017? How much do you hate the Blue Jays, bull?

          Reply
        • Jobba 2

          1 year ago

          And you think that was the front office call or rogers hoping to squeeze alittle abit more of the sudden blue jay excitement that was around the team for the first time in many years by not signally rebuild quite yet ? That’s been discussed quite a bit already

          1
          Reply
      • User 3044878754

        1 year ago

        Shapiro / Atkins has never WON in Cleveland or Toronto…. ZERO rings

        1
        Reply
        • GRE

          1 year ago

          The 2 Clowns have never , ever built an elite team …..

          Reply
    • Captain-Judge99

      1 year ago

      So much for Soto. I thought he was being traded to Toronto? Good luck trying to keep him in Toronto long term if you do.

      1
      Reply
    • canajay12

      1 year ago

      Semien had a monster year, Retaining Robbie ray and then letting him walk for Gausman. Springer is a we’ll see still for me, not great, not horrible.

      2
      Reply
    • Show all 21 replies
  2. THE_HOUSE_THAT_MOSEBY_BUILT

    1 year ago

    “wow…”

    Reply
    • roob

      1 year ago

      Breaking news; Blue Jays are interested in every available major league player.

      3
      Reply
  3. rmullig2

    1 year ago

    If they can get Soto then they could get away with IKF and a rotating set of players at third.

    5
    Reply
  4. GRE

    1 year ago

    More “blue swill” from ShapieRo and His Carry on GM AssKiss, ZERO confidence is this FO…..

    AssKiss, will be dumpster diving again….

    4
    Reply
    • KamKid

      1 year ago

      They do really well in the dumpster though. It’s the bigger profile higher stakes moves that I have less confidence in.

      Reply
      • walkish

        1 year ago

        Yes, Gausman was a real washout ;o)

        Reply
  5. ❤️ MuteButton

    1 year ago

    The last time the Blue Jays were interested in signing Brantley he signed with Houston.

    1
    Reply
    • Jaysfansince92

      1 year ago

      That actually worked out well for the Jays. Brantley would have been a poor signing.

      1
      Reply
      • ❤️ MuteButton

        1 year ago

        And given his injury history, why would they now?

        2
        Reply
        • Jaysfansince92

          1 year ago

          They shouldn’t

          Reply
  6. Gambit1193

    1 year ago

    The true crop of players the Bluejays will sign. Not Ohtani or trade for Soto

    1
    Reply
    • walkish

      1 year ago

      No team will be constructed of just top free agents due to the penalties above the various limits. The Jays have recently signed or extended their fair share of top free agents and none of them are currently weighing down the roster so badly. Apparently, even after several years Springer’s contract is still only roughly -8 M underwater, that is good signing for the Jays who have struggled to attract FAs in the past. The Padres have multiple FA contracts massively under their trade value.not to mention the inexplicable Kris Bryant contract for the Rockies.

      1
      Reply
  7. Ma4170

    1 year ago

    I like Pederson for a lot of teams actually. Should provide good value for what won’t be an exorbitant contract.

    1
    Reply
  8. Cora the Destroya

    1 year ago

    I’ve always found Brantley to be overrated. Guy can hit but usually doesn’t offer a ton of power and doesn’t get many big hits. Plus, his age is a concern. I wouldn’t overpay for him but it wouldn’t surprise me if the Blue Jays do.

    Reply
    • Michael Chaney

      1 year ago

      I can assume you’re trolling just based on your username, but Michael Brantley has never been overrated. For most of his prime, I’d actually argue that he was one of the more underrated players in the game.

      And he gets plenty of big hits. He has a *career* OPS of .837 in high leverage situations. The age and current durability issues are a valid concern, but let’s not downplay what he’s done in his career.

      2
      Reply
  9. Cora the Destroya

    1 year ago

    Blue Jays never seem to get the guys on top in FA. They’re better off trading their stars now, building a strong base through drafting, and piecing together smaller free agent pieces. They’re not getting Ohtani or Yamamoto.

    1
    Reply
    • Digdugler

      1 year ago

      Atkins is the worst drafter of all time (probably), gotta fire him and Shapiro first, but otherwise I agree.

      1
      Reply
      • its_happening

        1 year ago

        Riccardi was a worse drafter, no?

        2
        Reply
    • Jobba 2

      1 year ago

      Ryu was a top FA that year
      Springer was a top FA that year
      Gausman was one of the top FA that year
      You can say the first 2 didn’t work but that’s what you get paying for top FA over 30 – but your not saying they should not get top FA your saying they don’t play in that market and that’s clearly not correct

      4
      Reply
      • canajay12

        1 year ago

        I think Ryu did work out. He set the tone for the signings that followed and we got a couple really nice seasons out of him. Wasn’t perfect but also wasn’t a miss of a signing.

        5
        Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          One good season out of four. Heavy miss.

          Reply
      • Cora the Destroya

        1 year ago

        Ryu was never a top starter. He had a couple of great seasons but that was it.

        Reply
        • Jobba 2

          1 year ago

          The comment was they did not play in the top of the FA market – the year Ryu was a FA he very much was THE top of the pitching FA market .

          2
          Reply
        • BoJuBi

          1 year ago

          Ryu was coming off a era title, hard to say he wasn’t a top pitcher

          2
          Reply
        • canajay12

          1 year ago

          “Was never a top starter”. He was a cy young finalist.

          2
          Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          1 year ago

          ERA maybe but I tend to think low ERA, high strikeout guys are better. He’s also never hit 200 innings.

          Admittedly, though, I’m biased because he tanked my fantasy team the year after he was good. I know, not the greatest answer, but that’s why I’m bitter I suppose when his name comes up.

          But then again, the Jays grab the talent after their peak.

          Reply
    • walkish

      1 year ago

      Most teams don’t get the top player but Springer was the top player when they signed him, same for Gausman. Now I see Jobba 2 beat me to it…what he said.

      Reply
      • Cora the Destroya

        1 year ago

        I still don’t trust Gausman, but Springer was one of the best at the time. But that’s the problem, the Jays sign the best players after they peak.

        Reply
        • canajay12

          1 year ago

          What do you think free agency is? lol. Usually guys at or past their peaks getting paid for past performance.

          1
          Reply
        • Jobba 2

          1 year ago

          Welcome to the FA market in MLB . I’m lost now on your point , slagging the Jays or the CBA?

          1
          Reply
        • C-Daddy

          1 year ago

          You don’t trust Gausman? He’s now had three consecutive seasons finishing top 10 in Cy Young voting. He’s a legit TOR starter.

          3
          Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          1 year ago

          Exactly, I agree, you nailed it and yes, I was obvious, but that’s why the Jays haven’t exactly sustained the success they want. They have enough for the postseason but can’t go far. There are teams who catch guys in free agency at their peaks but it seems like the Jays just miss a lot of them.

          Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          1 year ago

          Maybe it’s just because I remember he wasn’t great at the start before he got good. He was fantastic this past year.

          Reply
        • Jaysfansince92

          1 year ago

          Lol. You don’t trust Gausman? He has been elite 4 years in a row.

          1
          Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          1 year ago

          Hasn’t thrown 200 innings once in his career. Very very good, I’m just wary of guys with bad track records. But elite for me is at least 200 innings

          Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          1 year ago

          He might be the one guy they got right though in free agency.

          Reply
        • Jaysfansince92

          1 year ago

          0nly 5 guys threw 200 innings last year. Managers simply don’t let guys stay in the game that long anymore. The innings leader only threw 216. Guys used to lead the league with around 240+ not that long ago. It’s just a different game now. The whole 200 innings thing will soon be a relic of the past.

          1
          Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          1 year ago

          But those 5 guys are the ones I consider elite. Elite shouldn’t be 20 pitchers.

          You are right though, he has been very, very good. It was an oversight on my part because I didn’t think it was four consecutive years and I remember when he was average.

          Reply
        • Jaysfansince92

          1 year ago

          One guy they got right? Semein, Ray, KK, Belt? Everyone of them had much better seasons with the Jays than they did in their platform years.

          2
          Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          1 year ago

          Semien- stats all over the place, vastly overpaid

          Ray- he is phenomenal, I’ll give you that. He was a good investment but was always shaky. He did have his best year in Toronto but was shaky around it. I still pick the guy just for k’s but you never know.

          Belt- not sure why you even mention him, he’s injury prone every season and overpaid by anyone who signs him.

          KK- not exactly an impact bat, decent but wasn’t off the charts in anything. He almost had to beg for a job before they signed him

          The Jays were scary when they had a big core a few years ago but that seems to be dissipating. They still clobber us though.

          Reply
        • Jaysfansince92

          1 year ago

          Belt had an .859 OPS for the Jays last year and got over 400 at bats.

          Semien had a monster year for the Jays.

          KK had over 3 WAR

          All 5 of those guys gave the Jays positive value on their contracts.

          Reply
        • bullred

          1 year ago

          You just said you like the high strikeout guys. What do you think Gausman is. He led the league in strikeouts.

          1
          Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          1 year ago

          The last few years he’s been great. I’m sorry if I didn’t make that clear. I remember when he wasn’t great.

          1
          Reply
        • Jaysfansince92

          1 year ago

          Since you mentioned the 5 guys who pitched 200 innings being elite I should mention one of those 5 guys was Bassitt another pitcher the Jays signed in FA.

          1
          Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          1 year ago

          Bassit is a #3 starter at best.

          They might have given Jays positive value but not all of those guys are sustainable, certainly not KK or Belt. I honestly think Belt is the biggest joke being raved about and injury-prone all the time. He might help occasionally, but he’s part-time

          Reply
        • Jaysfansince92

          1 year ago

          They only signed them to one year deals. They don’t need to be sustainable. If their value drops that is another team’s problem. The point is they turned out to be smart moves that worked out for them.

          1
          Reply
        • BoJuBi

          1 year ago

          That’s why the jays haven’t sustained success? The teams that win aren’t always the best teams. Perfect example is Texas vs Arizona, Arizona bullpen was terrible, Texas best reliever was Sborz. Nobody predicted it would play out that way, cause it’s unpredictable, you can’t sit there after the fact and criticize the moves and say that’s why they didn’t win. They put themselves in position for success, that’s all you can ask

          1
          Reply
        • BoJuBi

          1 year ago

          5 pitchers at best pitch 200 innings a year nowadays. So 5 pitchers are the only elite pitchers in the league? Also most guys who pitch 200 innings have a dead arm come playoffs

          Reply
        • BoJuBi

          1 year ago

          Bro you all over the place, you make a claim, take it back. Just admit it you don’t watch baseball it’s ok

          Reply
        • Cora the Destroya

          1 year ago

          Texas had a better pythagorean win/loss level than the Astros. The Diamondbacks just weren’t very good but found ways to win.

          Reply
    • Show all 34 replies
  10. just_thinkin

    1 year ago

    The Jays are funny man.

    1
    Reply
  11. Butter Biscuits

    1 year ago

    Chris Taylor could help the Jays in the outfield and infield please call us

    Reply
  12. SweetBabyRayKingsThickThighs

    1 year ago

    Both cold help with part-time DH work but I’d set my eyes on someone better

    Reply
  13. GSWfanklay

    1 year ago

    As a Giants fan why would you ever consider signing Pederson over Belt???? What didn’t Brandon Belt do last year? Believe me he is worlds better than Joc. Competitive fire is something Joc lacks

    Reply
    • its_happening

      1 year ago

      Jays need an OF more than a DH/1B.

      1
      Reply
    • walkish

      1 year ago

      I think it would be the ability to play the outfield if required.

      1
      Reply
    • Jaysfansince92

      1 year ago

      Belt seems like he is retiring.

      Reply
  14. This one belongs to the Reds

    1 year ago

    Whrn I saw this headline, I said I thought Jeff Brantley was long retired.

    Reply
  15. its_happening

    1 year ago

    Jays should be all over Soto. 2024 might be the last good look at winning it all. Pederson doesn’t get it done. KF is nice but they need a big bat. Brantley is a DH at this point but why not DH Springer more in 2024?

    Reply
    • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

      1 year ago

      Not sure Toronto has the prospect capital for Soto. I think other teams could outbid them with better offers.

      1
      Reply
      • its_happening

        1 year ago

        I can’t argue on the prospect capital part. What the Jays might need to do is take on a second large contract at a position of-need on-top of Soto. Like a Jake Cronenworth.

        1
        Reply
  16. Digdugler

    1 year ago

    Why not just use free* replacement level players instead?

    *already on roster

    1
    Reply
  17. terrymesmer

    1 year ago

    None of the three had even 1.0 WAR this season. They are bench options hardly worthy of a headline.

    1
    Reply
    • its_happening

      1 year ago

      So you’re saying because of WAR, Varsho is not a bench player but Brantley is? Brantley had 54 at bats last season. I can only imagine what you said about the Jays signing Belt last offseason with his “incredible” WAR.

      Reply
      • canajay12

        1 year ago

        What are you even talking about? If you think Brantley is half the player Varsho is at this stage I don’t know what to tell you.

        Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          Varsho is crap. Aided by questionable defensive metrics that skew in his favour to build his WAR.

          If you’d rather have Varsho at the plate over Brantley, you really don’t know what to tell anyone – we agree on that.

          Reply
        • canajay12

          1 year ago

          Saying “at the plate” is such a poor argument. Brantley will hit for a higher avg likely. Varsho will hit for more power, run the bases better with better speed and is 100x better in the field. They’re not even comparable players at this stage of their respective careers.

          Reply
        • bullred

          1 year ago

          its_hindsight doesn’t understand those “new fangled” analytics. Doesn’t like defence .

          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          You’re right. Brantley should not be subjected to a comparison to Varsho offensively. Brantley ha had a career Varsho can never match. Brantley has, and is, a better HITTER than Varsho. It’s simply pointing out that your “half the player” comment was rather absurd.

          I would not go after Brantley because he’s a DH only. But let’s stop the Varsho praise. His bat should not start on a contender.

          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          You don’t like the Blue Jays, Bull. Does Bull mean you buy all excuses? Yep.

          Reply
        • canajay12

          1 year ago

          Career? Who’s talking career accolades we’re talking mlb 2024 season. Varsho is the wayyy better player for this coming season. Again, Brantley might have a better avg. and that is the literal ONLY stat he will outperform Varsho in for 2024. Varsho off his worst offensive season is still worth 3x Brantley and given ages he’s far more likely to progress and Brantley to regress.

          If Brantley ends up being the best choice to start at DH so be it, but he’s never pushing Varsho to the bench.

          Reply
    • KamKid

      1 year ago

      I don’t know about this take. WAR is one measurement but is a counting stat and I don’t think it’s fair to disqualify someone based on missing time last year (Brantley) if he’s still showing some of the skill sets you are shopping for. WAR is also result based and Joc’s metrics in ‘23 don’t look any different than the ones that produced excellent results in ‘22. The Blue Jays will buy skill sets more than results. I also want to groan at IKF, but the Jays aren’t exactly developing defense at the positions of need. BA’s latest list doesn’t figure any of the internal candidates as profiling on the left side. The one guy on the roster for that purpose, Espinal, did not play well defensively last year and looks like he’s not long for the organization. I suspect a spread the budget around on a collection of mid tier guys who can play a role like the ones in this article is a likely outcome for this offseason.

      2
      Reply
  18. Wheeler Dealer

    1 year ago

    Don’t trade for Soto he’ll never stay in Canada

    Reply
    • rememberthecoop

      1 year ago

      True, but if you can get him w/o using too much prospect capital, I feel he’s going to have a monster season in 24 because it’s his walk year. And the Jays are in win-now mode, so I say go for it. Again, it all depends on how much it costs. I don’t know if the Jays can compete with the Yanks and other teams in terms of minor league talent. But I would def be in on Soto even for just one year.

      Reply
      • its_happening

        1 year ago

        If the Jays were willing to give up Moreno for a AAAA outfielder, they can consider (consider) dealing Tiedemann for Soto. Soto should not be the only piece the Jays go after.

        Reply
        • Jaysfansince92

          1 year ago

          Varsho had 3.9 WAR last year. Not a quad A player. He is probably the best defensive OF in the majors who also hit 20 HRS and stole 16 bases. Yes his batting average sucks, but he still has value on the other parts of his game. Preventing a run has just as much value as scoring a run.

          1
          Reply
        • bullred

          1 year ago

          Don’t even bother with him he doesn’t get it.

          Reply
        • bullred

          1 year ago

          He was asking me what War is. Hopeless.

          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          Never asked you what it is. Asked you to elaborate on WAR. You couldn’t.

          Reply
        • its_happening

          1 year ago

          Varsho is a good defender who played a great LF. Majority of his WAR based on his defense. Awful bat. Varsho is the shining example of the flaws WAR presents. The Jays somehow got worse in 2023 and yet you continue to champion Varsho and his WAR. Varsho hurt the Jays more than he helped in 2023. O if you dig more into WAR and LF you will understand that.

          Reply
        • canajay12

          1 year ago

          He also played an elite CF when given the chance and that’s why most fans don’t want Kk back… so that Varsho can play CF full time to get the most out of him. A 20-25HR gold glove CF is a valuable player.

          2
          Reply
        • Jaysfansince92

          1 year ago

          He also racked up 18 DRS in only 462 innings in CF. Playing CF full time will cause his value to skyrocket.

          Reply
  19. Logistics Guy

    1 year ago

    Just wondering what with the Toronto Blue Jays every year you hear the same thing. They Interested In a bunch of free agents and when the free agent signings are done.

    They have only sign one or two of them that’s If they sign any.

    Just wondering

    1
    Reply
    • walkish

      1 year ago

      I think the Jays often sign multiple FAs. To the point where other teams were complaining that that Jays were forcing up the market.

      Do you want a front office that does massive amounts of research on every player who could add value to the team to find a combination that gets the most value out of the team’s budget….or do you want a team that goes all in on one specific player and overpays because they have no options? Remember the player also has to want to join your team, they also want to maximise the amount that the eventual team pays them so will play teams against each other, or even make them bid against themselves by pretending other teams are interested.

      3
      Reply
  20. Jobba 2

    1 year ago

    You can’t put 2017 in the argument – mark openly said “in a vacuum we would have liked to start the rebuild when they got here “, def after 2016 but ownership asked them to compete for 1 more post season – so they did half in measures –
    Going all in 2021 ? Did they do that or did they not have faith in their top pick so moved him while he still had high value – let’s say they keep Martin – what’s his value by deadline 2022 ? They took a asset and flipped it for long term pitcher – where is Martin value ? Even the Gritch were not competing – he had just had a great second half and they chose to take a bet that he would be the second half guy at a time when they had lots of payroll flexibility and it didn’t work but it also did not hinder them in anyway since they were still in rebuild – that’s why I chose to look at things inside the window that clearly can effect future moves and either shorten or lengthen contention . Fisher again,low cost , teams do this every day – teams that don’t do this are wrong – same for white – I’m alittle surprised you would use these as examples – low cost try to get lighting in a bottle – strip was the same boat , Matz Ray , those were great outcomes if the cost is not hitting on others that cost you nothing . Roark 100% that’s awful – lol no excuse for that – the bat yes , they were guilty of going into 2023 thinking they could augment at deadline ….. And that could be said for all teams in the first year of expanded with a very light deadline .

    1
    Reply
  21. Redwolves3

    1 year ago

    Blue Jays will regret “Baby Panda” Pedersen. Forget playing him in OF; no defense, part-time DH & full-time clubhouse card games.

    Reply
    • kodion

      1 year ago

      That …and pearls just don’t belong on a ballfield. In the clubhouse, and out-and-about afterwards? Absolutely

      Reply
  22. stubby66

    1 year ago

    Amazingly Joc Pederson played ahead of Davantae Adams

    Reply
  23. rememberthecoop

    1 year ago

    Brantley can still hit. Kiner-Falefa would interest me only as a utility option, not as a starter. He’s solid defensively, but offensively, his BA & OBP numbers have gone down each of the past four seasons, and he doesn’t provide much in the way of slug. He’s been getting a lot of playing time the last 3 years, so he may want more $$ than I feel he’s worth. Meanwhile, Joc is almost unplayable in the outfield. Of those 3, obviously, I feel Brantley offers the most with his sweet left-handed stroke.

    Reply
  24. BoJuBi

    1 year ago

    All 3 of these players suck and offer little help

    Reply
  25. steelerbravenation

    1 year ago

    Would the Jays have interest in Marcel Ozuna ?

    1
    Reply
    • its_happening

      1 year ago

      They don’t want an Osuna or Ozuna situation.

      Reply
  26. Rob66

    1 year ago

    Brantley sounds like a fit for what the Mariners are looking for

    Reply
    • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

      1 year ago

      Sure, but I just don’t think Brantley can stay on the field / be available enough to make it worth the while.

      Reply
      • its_happening

        1 year ago

        Mariners do their best work on water. Seems like a good fit after all.

        Reply
  27. chemfinancing

    1 year ago

    the blue jays have a lot to be thankful for this christmas

    Reply
    • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

      1 year ago

      I don’t think they celebrate Christmas in Canada anymore.

      Reply

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