Infield & Catcher Depth

[nowayjose]

Do you guys think the Jays need to start looking at trading away their Infield and Catcher depth for Pitching or Outfield players.

We are currently in a win now period, and can sacrifice future talent for current success. Espinal and Bichette have proved themselves

to be average to above average MLB caliber players and Matt Chapman is most likely average to slight below average.

 

Our depth includes Cavan Biggio who still projects to be a league average bat, and the Bisons have Groshans and Taylor who are both under 24

and both project to be possible league average bats. Logan Warmouth, though older if he continues the success he has had this season deserves a shot

and could find playing time on worse teams. Martinez, the youngest of them all has the highest ceiling and though will take probably another year, year and a half in the minor leagues, looks to be on a solid track.

 

Catching we have Kirk and Jansen who have both proven to be MLB caliber players. Jansen better defensively and Krik with OBP in the top 10% of the league are both above average MLB players and in my opinion make a solid tandem. That leaves Moreno on the outs, whose only 22 and even though the power is not there at AAA is still showing an ability to walk and strike out less than 20% of the time. If he is average to above average defensively he would be a starter on many MLB teams probably as soon as next year.

 

The Bisons are a top team in the MiLB and it would be fun to watch them compete for a championship. But after this season, the Jays have to start looking at ways to use the value of their depth to help at the MLB level.

 

And outfield seems to be where they are most in need. Gurriel is 1 to 1.5 WAR player but nothing special , Tapia kind of stinks, Springer and Teoscar are of course great hitters but are starting to look more uncomfortable in the outfield and may need to take more ABs as DH in the future. Springer is much better, but its fair to say the eye test shows his movement is not quite there. And prospect wise, we don't have much at all, especially when comparing to the other positions

[Krusty]

We will be traders this season nearer the deadline; of that I am certain. As far as what areas of need will be addressed, that's a waiting game. Though I agree I would like a bit more pop from the outfield.

[Spanky99]

Yeah, it's still too early to make any moves, unless they find a dance partner, doubt it happens anytime soon. Also, in what world have Bichette and Espinal been average? Defense is a thing. Edited May 31, 2022 by Spanky99

[nowayjose]

I would say over the last two years they have both been slightly above average to above average MLB players. Average WAR is about 2. Espinal was almost 2 last year with 90 games played and with Bichette's slow start this year he is on pace for about 1.5. Last year he was a stud, no doubt. But my point is they are full time regulars, Chapman with his two year contract leaves an open 3B position in a couple years ( I could see him being a bench piece as soon as next year). So there going to have to make some meaningful trades by Spring Training. For the team, but also for the players. I would hate to be Warmouth or Taylor, who would be given a shot on a lot of other teams but can even make the roster here because we have Biggio Chapman Espinal and Bichette in the way.

[Eat My Shatkins]

I don't see it happening.

 

Jays don't really need to upgrade the starting pitching, and I don't see them making a trade that would push Gurriel or Teo onto the bench.

 

I certainly wouldn't mind an upgrade on Tapia/Zimmer but that probably isn't going to cost a whole lot of prospect capital to pull off.

 

A move to upgrade the bullpen is always a nice idea, but really it's a total crap shoot. Could blow up in your face just easily s help you out.

 

If they have to, I think the Jays will look at some internal bullpen arms first before trading for any. Hernandez looks like he's ready for a shot, Beasley has really improved his walk rate this season, while still missing bats. Eisert might be an option soon. Johnston looks like some sort of weird FIP beater, but he does that every season so maybe he's worth a look soon. Spraker seems to be struggling with his control this season, but there is time for him to turn it around still and get a look. Then you have SP's like Zulueta and Tiedemann who are very advanced, and probably on innings limits this season so could very well be moved to the BP later on and move up the ladder to MLB quickly.

[John_Havok]

I don't see it happening.

 

Jays don't really need to upgrade the starting pitching, and I don't see them making a trade that would push Gurriel or Teo onto the bench.

 

I certainly wouldn't mind an upgrade on Tapia/Zimmer but that probably isn't going to cost a whole lot of prospect capital to pull off.

 

A move to upgrade the bullpen is always a nice idea, but really it's a total crap shoot. Could blow up in your face just easily s help you out.

 

If they have to, I think the Jays will look at some internal bullpen arms first before trading for any. Hernandez looks like he's ready for a shot, Beasley has really improved his walk rate this season, while still missing bats. Eisert might be an option soon. Johnston looks like some sort of weird FIP beater, but he does that every season so maybe he's worth a look soon. Spraker seems to be struggling with his control this season, but there is time for him to turn it around still and get a look. Then you have SP's like Zulueta and Tiedemann who are very advanced, and probably on innings limits this season so could very well be moved to the BP later on and move up the ladder to MLB quickly.

 

Trade for David Bednar. The Pirates are dumb as s*** and probably take a low A lottery ticket.