Jays 2021/22 General Off-Season Discussion

[Stangstag]

One option no one has mentioned is Javier Baez. He'd be a more than capable 3B. Can play all positions except C so if someone emerges at 3B (Moreno), no plm.

 

He’s staying with the Mets imo

[Spanky99]

Y'all f***in' dumb. lol

 

lol

[Deadpool]

It has nothing to do with disrespecting your favourite player and more to do with constructing a team that has depth.

 

Going into the season with Espinal as a starter is a terrible idea.

 

I don’t care if he’s the back up IF. Good chance he is. But nobody can argue that the team wouldn’t be better equipped to handle injuries if he’s the first man up from AAA.

 

I mean, if he's the bench guy that you move to 3B in the event of an injury, isn't that better than having him in AAA? I mean, unless you sign a better bench bat, I suppose? Espinal doesn't really "need the reps" of a young guy in AAA, he's already pretty much a finished product, so having him contributing MLB innings/abs makes more sense than getting him AAA ABs. Then we'll just have another "first man up from AAA" (Smith?) who will move to the bench role.

[glory]

Yeah there's no chance Espinal starts the year in AAA. If he's still in the org by the start of 2022, then he's going to be the utility infielder in the big leagues. Players like Smith and Lopez (both on the 40 man) are likely to be the AAA depth in case of injury. Taylor needs to be protected as well, so if he's still on the team, then he'll be in AAA as well.

[TwistedLogic]

[Stangstag]

 

 

 

Seiya Suzuki is a sick name

[John_Havok]

Might not be the best post-season to be posted given the labour issues... but then again, depending on the results it might be one of the best.

[saskjayfan]

Definitely feels like Seager (older) will be a Bluejay in 2022. He just checks off so many boxes... LH hitter, solid defense at 3B, vetrin presents, likely won’t command a multi-year deal...

 

How much do you think Seager will cost?

[Eat My Shatkins]

I just keep coming back to Jose Ramirez at 3B for the Jays. Hate losing high end prospects, and it's not good that he'd only be under control for two more season, but damn he's such a perfect fit.

 

He replaces Semien's production all by himself, fills the gaping hole at 3B with above average defense, and adds a switch hitting MVP caliber bat. Then you have a healthy Biggio back at 2B with his solid high OBP left handed bat and just like the Jays likely have a solid 9-10 WAR combined between the two of them, and have diversified their offensive profile.

 

Man it's going to be a long off season, with the CBA issues and waiting to see which way the Jays go in bolstering their roster.

[itaos]

What are the chances Trevor Story would take a short term high value contract at 3B?

 

Before this season he was a good bet for a massive contract. The media, at least, seems to be down on him.

[Stangstag]

What are the chances Trevor Story would take a short term high value contract at 3B?

 

Before this season he was a good bet for a massive contract. The media, at least, seems to be down on him.

 

I don’t know if I see him doing that, but if he does then i’d think it would have to be something like 1/25

[G-Snarls]

Blue Jays To Issue Qualifying Offers To Marcus Semien, Robbie Ray; Steven Matz Will Not Receive QONovember 6th, 2021 at 6:51pm CST • By Mark Polishuk

 

As expected, the Blue Jays will issue qualifying offers to Marcus Semien and Robbie Ray, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman (all Twitter links). The Jays opted against issuing the QO to Steven Matz, however, and Heyman adds that Matz also recently turned down a multi-year contract offer from Toronto.

[Spanky99]

Blue Jays To Issue Qualifying Offers To Marcus Semien, Robbie Ray; Steven Matz Will Not Receive QONovember 6th, 2021 at 6:51pm CST • By Mark Polishuk

 

As expected, the Blue Jays will issue qualifying offers to Marcus Semien and Robbie Ray, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman (all Twitter links). The Jays opted against issuing the QO to Steven Matz, however, and Heyman adds that Matz also recently turned down a multi-year contract offer from Toronto.

 

I knew he wouldn't get a QO, upsetting he turned down a multi year deal, though.

[InsideThePark]

Not giving Matz a QO makes sense because that money can be better spent, but I really hope they spend it wisely rather than Kyle Seager, a couple 4th starters, and a meh pen arm or 2. We need 1 higher end option

[Spanky99]

Not giving Matz a QO makes sense because that money can be better spent, but I really hope they spend it wisely rather than Kyle Seager, a couple 4th starters, and a meh pen arm or 2. We need 1 higher end option

 

They'll definitely be getting a higher tier pitcher or two. Should be an interesting off season.

[saskjayfan]

They'll definitely be getting a higher tier pitcher or two. Should be an interesting off season.

 

It's really going to be a great off season. I still like the Verlander gamble.

 

Moreno just can't be held back. He's a wrecking ball that can't be stopped. He should be up almost as soon as that extra year is secured at the end of April unless things change in the new collective agreement.

 

The muddled part is Jansen and Kirk. Jansen just confused things with his ridiculous run with the bat at the end of the year. I feel entirely confident with Kirk and probably more confident in his defense than most. This is why I've had thoughts that maybe Moreno could be moved to third since he was signed as a middle infielder and he has a cannon for an arm. He played one game at third last year too. Why did he play a game at third..lol I kind of like the idea of him at third and his bat in the lineup most nights. If they do keep Moreno at catcher they have to trade one of the three players. Who will it be?

 

Semien. To bring back or not to bring back. Will Boras make that imposssible? I really like the thought of him being brought back. I would like Ray back, but am kind of resigned to the thought that someone will offer him too much money too. Kershaw. What's the injury risk? A high risk high reward type guy. Lots on the scrap heap as well. Rodriguez is by no means a guy without some intrigue for me. Martinez is a guy of interest for sure. The injury guys...Rosenthal, Yates, Paxton, kluber...low base with incentives.

 

So many free agents at varying price points that could be compelling for us. The high end talent like Correa, Scherzer, Seager, Bryant that we won't likely be in on but will take dollars away from other teams.

 

I'm pretty pumped to see things get going. Probably still 3 weeks away from the much action happening though. Good thing I have soccer Canada to keep me occupied!

[Eat My Shatkins]

Even if they move Moreno off of catcher for now, I think there is a chance we could still see Kirk moved for a young controllable starting pitcher. Jansen finally got healthy and finally stopped getting f***ed by the BABIP monster, I don't think he's a flash in the pan, and there is nothing wrong with Mcguire as a back up catcher. I think Kirk would have more value in a trade, but he's also more of a risk because of his body type.

 

I don't think we see the Jays give out another Springer type contract this off season to a position player over the age of 30.

 

I think they are going to go hard after Gausman via free agency, and I think they are going to go hard for Ramirez via trade.

[Jimcanuck]

Even if they move Moreno off of catcher for now, I think there is a chance we could still see Kirk moved for a young controllable starting pitcher. Jansen finally got healthy and finally stopped getting f***ed by the BABIP monster, I don't think he's a flash in the pan, and there is nothing wrong with Mcguire as a back up catcher. I think Kirk would have more value in a trade, but he's also more of a risk because of his body type.

 

I don't think we see the Jays give out another Springer type contract this off season to a position player over the age of 30.

 

I think they are going to go hard after Gausman via free agency, and I think they are going to go hard for Ramirez via trade.

 

Moreno won't be moved off catcher, he will be a C/3B. Over a full season, 40 games C, 100 games 3B for example. With Jansen / Kirk as other catchers. The nice part of such an arrangement is Kirk can be slotted into the DH position a fair number of games, which is a better fit for his current skillset anyway. This FO is smart enough to know McGuire is an AAAA player.

 

If Moreno has the chops to be an average 3B defensively, I doubt Jays will give up the prospect capital to get Ramirez (Orelvis among others). Cost controlled assets are golden.

 

Jays will buy to fill the pitching holes.

[saskjayfan]

Moreno won't be moved off catcher, he will be a C/3B. Over a full season, 40 games C, 100 games 3B for example. With Jansen / Kirk as other catchers. The nice part of such an arrangement is Kirk can be slotted into the DH position a fair number of games, which is a better fit for his current skillset anyway. This FO is smart enough to know McGuire is an AAAA player.

 

If Moreno has the chops to be an average 3B defensively, I doubt Jays will give up the prospect capital to get Ramirez (Orelvis among others). Cost controlled assets are golden.

 

Jays will buy to fill the pitching holes.

 

That's a unique out of the box way to look at things Jim. Rookies have a hard enough time of it as it is. I would be shocked if they went to him and said we want you to split your time defensively between 3rd and catcher.

[Jimcanuck]

That's a unique out of the box way to look at things Jim. Rookies have a hard enough time of it as it is. I would be shocked if they went to him and said we want you to split your time defensively between 3rd and catcher.

 

Won't be immediate, he will get his 3B reps. If the call up to MLB happens in 2022, it will probably be after Super 2 (or whatever the new CBA has). Plenty of rookies play multiple positions. There is nothing out of the box about this at all.

Edited November 7, 2021 by Jimcanuck

[max silver]

Even if they move Moreno off of catcher for now, I think there is a chance we could still see Kirk moved for a young controllable starting pitcher. Jansen finally got healthy and finally stopped getting f***ed by the BABIP monster, I don't think he's a flash in the pan, and there is nothing wrong with Mcguire as a back up catcher. I think Kirk would have more value in a trade, but he's also more of a risk because of his body type.

 

I don't think we see the Jays give out another Springer type contract this off season to a position player over the age of 30.

 

I think they are going to go hard after Gausman via free agency, and I think they are going to go hard for Ramirez via trade.

 

I'm not really a fan of that narrative. Jansen still only had a .233 BABIP for 2021. The key difference is that he started hitting the ball much harder on average than previously and looked to do damage at the plate. He added nearly a full 5MPH to his average exit velocity as well as over 4 degrees to his average launch angle. There was an obvious change to his approach as well, as he stopped any attempts to use the whole field and sold out for power on the pull side.

 

I think Gausman will be the team's fallback if they miss out on Ray, but I have a hard time seeing San Francisco letting Gausman leave after the successful run he's had there.

[L54]

I agree with everything Jim has said. Moreno is likely going to still catch, but he will move around the diamond and play some third and potentially some second too eventually. He’s like a Dodger dream player

[saskjayfan]

I agree with everything Jim has said. Moreno is likely going to still catch, but he will move around the diamond and play some third and potentially some second too eventually. HeÂ’s like a Dodger dream player

 

I think you guys are crazy. I mean I could be wrong. I also think he's too good of a player to wait until mid june to avoid an extra year of arbitration. He's up 3 and half weeks into the season for me. Vlad came up in his age 20 season. Next year will be Moreno's age 22 season.

[Jimcanuck]

I think you guys are crazy. I mean I could be wrong. I also think he's too good of a player to wait until mid june to avoid an extra year of arbitration. He's up 3 and half weeks into the season for me. Vlad came up in his age 20 season. Next year will be Moreno's age 22 season.

 

Vlad is not a catcher. Rutschman will be 24 when he comes up next season, even though the bat has been ready for MLB for at least a year.

[saskjayfan]

Vlad is not a catcher. Rutschman will be 24 when he comes up next season, even though the bat has been ready for MLB for at least a year.

 

How old is Kirk? Also a reason I thought about him at 3rd.

[TwistedLogic]

[Brownie19]

https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/article/strike-zone/top-111-free-agents-4

 

Not sure if this was posted...but these predicted contracts seem light.

[Brownie19]

Apparently we offered Matz a multi year deal extension, but he declined.

[Grant77]

https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/article/strike-zone/top-111-free-agents-4

 

Not sure if this was posted...but these predicted contracts seem light.

 

I'll take all of our guys back at those prices, maybe with a side of Kyle Seager and Ryan Tepera.

[G-Snarls]

How old is Kirk? Also a reason I thought about him at 3rd.

 

He debuted at 21

 

He's 22 now

Edited November 8, 2021 by G-Snarls