Bigger Priority to Re-Sign: Semien or Ray?

[intentional wok]

Is there any reason to believe Semien will sign with Toronto, other than the fact that he happened to play here in 2021?

 

That said, I think he's my #1 all-time favourite Blue Jay hired gun. He's just amazing.

[Brownie19]

Is there any reason to believe Semien will sign with Toronto, other than the fact that he happened to play here in 2021?

 

That said, I think he's my #1 all-time favourite Blue Jay hired gun. He's just amazing.

 

I have to think Toronto is one of the most appealing destinations for offensive players. This team is on the rise, ready to win and both the lineup and stadium are conducive to success. I do think we have an upper leg with Semien as he's clearly comfortable here. Time will tell though as things like location may be prioritized over $, winning, teammates & environment.

[The Iceman]

Ray on a 3 year deal will be great.

 

I think Marcus can ask and receive a 5 year deal that will be an albatross the last 2 years. Off to San Fran is my prediction.

[Brownie19]

Ray on a 3 year deal will be great.

 

I think Marcus can ask and receive a 5 year deal that will be an albatross the last 2 years. Off to San Fran is my prediction.

 

Ray's going to get more than 3 years after winning the AL Cy Young. My guess would be 5 years also - which adds significant risk.

[Dick_Pole]

Espinal can capably play all over the field. His value is max'ed in that role as opposed to a regular at 3B or wherever. Will still get his 400-500 PA.

 

Which is why he's a perfect infield bench piece.

 

I can't get past his complete lack of pop. I could very easily see Espinal pulling a Jansen for large chunks of his career, just being brutalized by BABIP because he doesn't have the strength to put anything over the walls.

 

Yes I agree to all of this. Espinal is a bench player. We have had years of paper thin garbage MIF to witness and the second someone sees an obvious bench piece perform well, they want him promoted? Nah. Good teams have players like Espinal on the bench. Biggio too. But I'm willing to consider the idea of a Espinal/Biggio platoon type of situation at 3B (with the other guy as back up) with Semien at 2B for the coming year.

 

Espinal, Grishuk, Biggio, Dickerson (or similar player) plus the catching situation would be one of the deepest benches this team ever had. Better than the World Series years. Ricciardi's benches might have been better because he knew how to fill out a roster. Just not with enough top end talent.

[GoBlue41]

Paul Molitor is still my favorite hired gun, but Semien would be right up there. Hope he can be signed long term.

[glory]

Well, he hasn't gotten that payday yet. His career earnings are low relative to his age I think. If we offer the most money, I don't see why he wouldn't sign.

 

Yeah, I'm sure location/family is a priority for him as far as which team to sign with, but if the Jays offer the most, then I think he re-signs. If the offers are similar between the Jays and a location he'd prefer (ex. Angels), then he's probably gone, so the Jays would have to go above and beyond, most likely. But it's possible. He signed a one year deal because he felt he was a $100M+ talent. He was right. Now it's just a matter of which team gives him the best deal.

[max silver]

Yeah, I'm sure location/family is a priority for him as far as which team to sign with, but if the Jays offer the most, then I think he re-signs. If the offers are similar between the Jays and a location he'd prefer (ex. Angels), then he's probably gone, so the Jays would have to go above and beyond, most likely. But it's possible. He signed a one year deal because he felt he was a $100M+ talent. He was right. Now it's just a matter of which team gives him the best deal.

 

I was stunned when Semien ended up signing with the Jays as I recall the statements from his agent that he was looking for a 9 figure deal for his client. I recall reading that the front office tried to sign Semien to a multi year deal before the season started. That would have been a real coup had they managed to pull it off, but good on Marcus for betting on himself as he will be rewarded richly.

[The Cats Ass]

Yeah, I'm sure location/family is a priority for him as far as which team to sign with, but if the Jays offer the most, then I think he re-signs. If the offers are similar between the Jays and a location he'd prefer (ex. Angels), then he's probably gone, so the Jays would have to go above and beyond, most likely. But it's possible. He signed a one year deal because he felt he was a $100M+ talent. He was right. Now it's just a matter of which team gives him the best deal.

 

Semien seemed to have really liked his time in Toronto, I think we have as good a chance as any team for signing him. Not really sure why he'd prefer the Angels location, and if we're offering the same money he'd probably rather stay with a team that has a better chance of competing.

[John_Havok]

Semien seemed to have really liked his time in Toronto, I think we have as good a chance as any team for signing him. Not really sure why he'd prefer the Angels location, and if we're offering the same money he'd probably rather stay with a team that has a better chance of competing.

 

He was born in raised in California, and there's always been rumblings that he would prefer to play for a west coast team as a result. If rumours are to be believed, then if the money and length of contract are similar, he'd likely choose a west coast destination.

[The Cats Ass]

He was born in raised in California, and there's always been rumblings that he would prefer to play for a west coast team as a result. If rumours are to be believed, then if the money and length of contract are similar, he'd likely choose a west coast destination.

 

Maybe if it’s San Fran or Oakland. That’s the area him and his wife grew up. It’s about an 8 hour drive to the Angels. California is huge. You almost have to assume it’s reporters just trying to come up with a story. Could see him going to the Dodgers though, they may be in the market for a SS/2B.

[Dokken]

Why would he go back there, of all places?

 

I think the main reason Matz might want to go back to the Mets is that he is a Long Island, New York native, which makes the Mets his hometown team. But since he is getting up there in age (turns 31 this coming May), he would potentially favor a contending team. The Jays seem more likely to offer that opportunity than the Mets in the next couple years. That said, he is good (not great) when healthy. Maybe if he would accept 3/36, it would be a smart signing.......

[ChrisS]

Semien. Everyday player who is more likely to repeat this past season going forward, IMO.