General Blue Jays Discussion Thread (2024)

[Omar]

Looks like the artificial turf took its toll based on his comments. Behind a paywall so I will just post the whole thing here.

 

By Marc TopkinTimes staff

TORONTO — Longtime Rays and current Blue Jays centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier plans to retire at the end of the season.

“This is it, 2024 is it for me,” Kiermaier told the Tampa Bay Times before Wednesday’s game against the Rays. “This next week will be very interesting (in terms of a potential trade). But this will be my last year playing.

 

“I’m going to give it my all the rest of the year regardless of what situation I’m in. But my body is talking to me now more than ever.”

Kiermaier, 34, has played 11 seasons (plus one game in 2013) in the majors, winning four Gold Glove awards and one Platinum Glove. He twice was named the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year and finished in the top 10 in American League MVP voting in 2015. He also has a lengthy highlight reel of his catches.

 

Kiermaier said wear and tear on his body is the biggest factor in his decision. “The way I reflect on it, the product I put on the field now still can be good, but the effort it takes to get it to what I’ve been used to all those years, with my speed and defense and arm and everything, it’s tough,” he said.

“I knew this year was going to be tough just with how I felt last year, and I know as the years go by it’s going to get tougher and tougher. I have my third kid coming in December, and it’s time for me to be a dad and let my body recover.”

 

Kiermaier said playing home games each season on artificial turf, at Tropicana Field and Rogers Centre, was definitely a factor.

“I’d say I deserve an award for playing on turf the way I have the last 11 years,” he said. “I truly don’t think anyone could take the field with my demeanor, truly trying to make plays each and every night. I would go back and do the same thing. Even with how my body feels right now, I would play the exact same way. I really would.”

 

Kiermaier was quite a success story, as an Indiana kid who was a 31st-round pick in the 2010 draft turning into a frontline player and team leader with the Rays, making roughly $70 million over his career. He has a .247 career average and .710 OPS. He left the Rays when they declined his option for the 2023 season and signed with the Jays, who he resigned with again this season.

 

“I’m very proud and very happy,” Kiermaier said, “and it’s just been the best journey I could ever ask for. … It’s been incredible.”

Kiermaier said he and his wife, Marisa, and their soon-to-be three kids, plan to stay in the Tampa area. He would like to stay involved in the game, perhaps providing specialty coaching with outfielders and working as a special assistant.

[John_Havok]

Looks like the artificial turf took its toll based on his comments. Behind a paywall so I will just post the whole thing here.

 

No doubt. early turf in the Trop was complete trash. even the stuff in the RC was really bad until they put a newer type in 2015 and then the newest stuff in 2021

[RobinThicc]

Vlad has knee issues, 0 chance they ever put him in left lmfao

[Carlos Danger]

I'd be down for this... 20 AAV, think he'd do it? I feel that's light to keep him here.

 

If he can get $25 million in arb this year, why would he settle for even a longer term at 20m AAV when he will be what, 27?

 

Remember, him and Bo are not choosing long term security. They are rich kids who would be rich regardless and are rich and don't need additional security. They are not like some guy off the sandlots of Venezuela looking for generational wealth with fear of a career ending injury.

[Laika]

Looks like the artificial turf took its toll based on his comments. Behind a paywall so I will just post the whole thing here.

 

Dude nuked any chance at a trade with his commentary

 

"“This is it, 2024 is it for me,” Kiermaier said today. “This next week will be very interesting (in terms of a potential trade). But this will be my last year playing. I’m going to give it my all the rest of the year regardless of what situation I’m in. But my body is talking to me now more than ever.”"

[Sorrow]

His defense is weird. Most of the metrics have rated him fine at 1B since he started playing it in 2020. The exception is OAA which thinks he SUCKS at 1B the past two years even though the other metrics still think he's okay. If you look at his plot the past two years it looks like he sucks when he has to make a play where it involves feeding the pitcher: https://shorturl.at/IcI48. That seems to track the eye test.

 

But otherwise his plot looks ok, including on plays where he has to move back (also tracks the eye test as he seems ok when chasing down pop ups). His sprint speed is close to league average and his arm is well above average. Maybe he would be be okay in LF? Heck, maybe he's even better at 3B than he is at 1B. He has the arm for it and he doesn't have to feed the pitcher. Metrics were fine in a SSS.

 

Sounds kind of crazy but we are now living in a world where Spencer Horwitz is an above average 2B so I would definitely consider Vlad in LF.

 

I'll see if I can find it but there was an article about Guerrero's D and it is basically broken down like he's the best at scooping - so balls in the dirt and stretches to save errant throws and balls within three feet of him he's the best defender in baseball. Anything beyond that he drops off basically immediately to the worst defender at the position.

[Spanky99]

If he can get $25 million in arb this year, why would he settle for even a longer term at 20m AAV when he will be what, 27?

 

Remember, him and Bo are not choosing long term security. They are rich kids who would be rich regardless and are rich and don't need additional security. They are not like some guy off the sandlots of Venezuela looking for generational wealth with fear of a career ending injury.

 

Thanks CD I really needed the inside scoop on their upbringing and some other poverty riddled kids financial decisions.

 

The term brings the AAV down, dude?

[Carlos Danger]

Thanks CD I really needed the inside scoop on their upbringing and some other poverty riddled kids financial decisions.

 

The term brings the AAV down, dude?

 

I’m saying you only take a lower AAV if it brings you more years, which equals security. Why does Vlad need to accept a lower AAV if he doesn’t need security?

[Spanky99]

I’m saying you only take a lower AAV if it brings you more years, which equals security. Why does Vlad need to accept a lower AAV if he doesn’t need security?

 

Why are they even talking about an extension then? C'mon man...

[glory]

According to Robert Murray, the Jays are listening on offers for IKF. Said “so many teams” were willing to give him a 2 year deal in the winter. Getting a 2 WAR out of him in half a season and then trading him for something useful would be a good outcome.

[Carlos Danger]

Why are they even talking about an extension then? C'mon man...

You can always discuss, but the Jays are probably thinking $20 AAV like you are and Vlad/Agent are thinking $25 AAV like I am.

[Spanky99]

You can always discuss, but the Jays are probably thinking $20 AAV like you are and Vlad/Agent are thinking $25 AAV like I am.

 

So meet them in the middle.

 

Also, I was asking Laika the question and said I thought 20M was light. We're crossing wires here, bro.

[The Cats Ass]

You can always discuss, but the Jays are probably thinking $20 AAV like you are and Vlad/Agent are thinking $25 AAV like I am.

 

I bet Vlad is thinking more like $30 aav.

[connorp]

Dude nuked any chance at a trade with his commentary

 

"“This is it, 2024 is it for me,” Kiermaier said today. “This next week will be very interesting (in terms of a potential trade). But this will be my last year playing. I’m going to give it my all the rest of the year regardless of what situation I’m in. But my body is talking to me now more than ever.”"

 

His check is guaranteed. Doesn’t sound like he’d be too worried if this year was cut short.

I wonder if he can take his family to Disneyworld without anyone bothering him. I feel like he could, even though TB was close. Like for the small percentage that know him, do you bother him for a selfie? Idk

[connorp]

You can always discuss, but the Jays are probably thinking $20 AAV like you are and Vlad/Agent are thinking $25 AAV like I am.

 

He’s not signing for $25m/yr. He’s not 31

I’d fire your ass.

[glory]

I bet Vlad is thinking more like $30 aav.

 

Yeah I think he wants 10/300 or something along those lines. Wouldn’t shock me if the Jays gave it to him.

[Carlos Danger]

He’s not signing for $25m/yr. He’s not 31

I’d fire your ass.

 

That’s the minimum I think he would take there two team Tim.

[Terminator]

Here are the biggest first base contracts:

 

https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/contracts/_/position/1b/sort/value

 

Harper doesn't really count and the rest of them don't approach anywhere near 250 mil.

 

Matt Olson isn't a bad comp.

[Spanky99]

According to Robert Murray, the Jays are listening on offers for IKF. Said “so many teams” were willing to give him a 2 year deal in the winter. Getting a 2 WAR out of him in half a season and then trading him for something useful would be a good outcome.

 

@ 13:14...

[Spanky99]

Here are the biggest first base contracts:

 

https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/contracts/_/position/1b/sort/value

 

Harper doesn't really count and the rest of them don't approach anywhere near 250 mil.

 

Matt Olson isn't a bad comp.

 

I've thought all along he gets a bit North of that deal.

[connorp]

Here are the biggest first base contracts:

 

https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/contracts/_/position/1b/sort/value

 

Harper doesn't really count and the rest of them don't approach anywhere near 250 mil.

 

Matt Olson isn't a bad comp.

 

Harper is the Comp. He got paid even though it was well known he was a DH in the near future. If they provide clear negative defense, what does it even matter what position they play? You should subtract for that bad defense.

 

Harper has the same 1-1 type pedigree. Olson is a 40fv overachiever that hit .195 the year before FA. He’s not the pacemaker for Vlad. It will depend a lot on how Vlad finishes the year

[Laika]

Harper is the Comp. He got paid even though it was well known he was a DH in the near future. If they provide clear negative defense, what does it even matter what position they play? You should subtract for that bad defense.

 

Harper has the same 1-1 type pedigree. Olson is a 40fv overachiever that hit .195 the year before FA. He’s not the pacemaker for Vlad. It will depend a lot on how Vlad finishes the year

 

Harper had a f***ing 9 WAR season in the bag though.

And more pedigree than Vlad.

And no he was not a presumed DH. Just assumed to be a lazy RF at that point.

[Stangstag]

Harper is the Comp. He got paid even though it was well known he was a DH in the near future. If they provide clear negative defense, what does it even matter what position they play? You should subtract for that bad defense.

 

Harper has the same 1-1 type pedigree. Olson is a 40fv overachiever that hit .195 the year before FA. He’s not the pacemaker for Vlad. It will depend a lot on how Vlad finishes the year

 

Ok bub

[connorp]

Ok bub

 

You guys don’t know sheet. That’s why I was always a step ahead of everyone in fantasy. I just liked rebuilding more than winning for a bit

[Stangstag]

You guys don’t know sheet. That’s why I was always a step ahead of everyone in fantasy. I just liked rebuilding more than winning for a bit

 

Riiight right and that’s why you hightailed it outta all leagues once you couldn’t cheat with 2 rosters anymore.

 

Stop thinking you’re smarter than everyone else, you’re probably mid-tier intelligence at best on this message board.

[Joltin Joe]

seriously though - wouldn't this lineup get it done?

 

Springer - RF - 105 wRC+

Bo - SS - 120 wRC+

Vlad - 1st - 140 wRC+

Teo - LF - 130 wRC+

JDM - DH - 130 wRC+

Horwitz/Schneider - 2nd - 115 wRC+

Varsho - CF - 95 wRC+

IKF - 3rd - 95 wRC+

Kirk - C - 90 wRC+

 

Bench - Clement, Horwitz/Schneider, Barger (or Leo) & FA Catcher

 

With a little luck (maybe Springer's figured something out, maybe Kirk returns to a 115 wRC+ hitter, maybe someone breaks out), that's a really good offense that didn't sacrifice "that" much defense.

 

My apologies for adding the dig in.

Worth a shot. Trading Kikuchi and Garcia. We should get a decent player to help us in '25. Leaves only 2 bats to sign. DH and LF usually decent power bats in free agency.

 

If Manoah bounces back be big. Or we find another Robbie Roy or Matz in off season.

 

A couple of Garcia type signings. The bullpen should be fixable. Along with Romano back and Swanson.

 

If injuries hit us hard next July we could sell and restock farm. Try lock Vlad up long term.

 

How I would approach this deadline. We have shot at playoffs next year, if not in position to stack the farm and enter '26 off season with ton of money to spend.

[saskjayfan]

Yeah I think he wants 10/300 or something along those lines. WouldnÂ’t shock me if the Jays gave it to him.

 

Vlad's worth that. He'd be in his age 36 season in the last year of that deal. He's going to have some 155 to 170 wRC seasons in that contract. If that's what he's asking and the Jays haven't signed him yet, that's just another reason to fire atkins.

[BTS]

You guys don’t know sheet. That’s why I was always a step ahead of everyone in fantasy. I just liked rebuilding more than winning for a bit

 

Did you ever have a record over 0.500 in BORED?

[Jimcanuck]

Vlad's worth that. He'd be in his age 36 season in the last year of that deal. He's going to have some 155 to 170 wRC seasons in that contract. If that's what he's asking and the Jays haven't signed him yet, that's just another reason to fire atkins.

 

I doubt any MLB team would give Vlad more than 7 yrs guaranteed

[Governator]

Vlad's worth that. He'd be in his age 36 season in the last year of that deal. He's going to have some 155 to 170 wRC seasons in that contract. If that's what he's asking and the Jays haven't signed him yet, that's just another reason to fire atkins.

 

 

lol.. based on what?

 

If the Jays felt he'll give them multiple 150-170 wRC+ seasons they'd already have locked him up. They (and everyone else) are still unsure what he's going to give them.