Jays Re-Sign KK to a 1/10.5 Deal

[Jonn]

Varsho will play plenty of CF like he did last year. But there’s zero universe where Kiermaier plays something other than CF when in the lineup. It doesn’t even make any sense. Maybe in a couple years when he’s more run down. But he proved last year he’s still the best CF in Baseball when healthy.

[The Cats Ass]

Wonder if they’ll pair him with an OF that’s all bay and no glove. A Solar or Teoscar type.

[Jays24]

Varsho will play plenty of CF like he did last year. But there’s zero universe where Kiermaier plays something other than CF when in the lineup. It doesn’t even make any sense. Maybe in a couple years when he’s more run down. But he proved last year he’s still the best CF in Baseball when healthy.

 

For real man... guys like him don't move off their position when still showing theyre great in the field. I expect 0 innings played anywhere but CF for KK.

 

Varsho better improve with the bat or hope KK falls off dramatically or else he's this teams 4th OFer.

[BTS]

Varsho will play plenty of CF like he did last year. But there’s zero universe where Kiermaier plays something other than CF when in the lineup. It doesn’t even make any sense. Maybe in a couple years when he’s more run down. But he proved last year he’s still the best CF in Baseball when healthy.

 

It would make plenty of sense. Varsho is younger, here for 3+ years, and not really a step down defensively from Kiermaier. The only reason not to let him have CF every day is that Atkins is too beta to stand up to a 34-year old 4th OF on a 1-year deal. Which he actually might be. But he shouldn't be. Brett Gardner was like a top-3 defensive OF in the middle of his prime and played LF every day, because that's where he was told to play.

[Jonn]

It would make plenty of sense. Varsho is younger, here for 3+ years, and not really a step down defensively from Kiermaier. The only reason not to let him have CF every day is that Atkins is too beta to stand up to a 34-year old 4th OF on a 1-year deal. Which he actually might be. But he shouldn't be. Brett Gardner was like a top-3 defensive OF in the middle of his prime and played LF every day, because that's where he was told to play.

 

Atkins is beta if he continues to let Varsho have everyday at-bats. I don't care how much younger and more control he has. He can't hit.

 

Varsho should be coming into Spring with no guaranteed everyday job. I would also love if he just wasn't in Spring at all.

[Terminator]

KK is good. His fWAR projections undersell him because UZR hates him.

 

Duvall and MAT were thrown around as potential 4th OF options and KK is better than them. And yeah, KK is technically a starter but you can pencil him in for 350-400 PAs which is 4th OF playing time.

[Jays333]

I like KK but is this going to block Varsho from playing CF and having any actual value to this team?

[Terminator]

You guys are REALLY going to hate this suggestion but how about Randall Grichuk as a KK platoon partner?

 

He mashes lefties, both last year (155 wRC+, compared to 79 vs RHP) and in his career (116 compared to 92 vs RHP).

 

You could probably get him for a ham sandwich. Duvall or MAT would also be good options but they would probably be a lot more expensive.

[glory]

I highly doubt KK will be the 4th OF. I think he will be the primary CF any time he’s on the field, which means a lot of LF time for Varsho. I just don’t like trading for an elite defensive CF and then for the 2nd year in a row most likely using him in LF. Just seems like a waste. Unfortunately the FA market stinks for outfielders and the Jays likely wanted someone on fewer years so again I’m fine with it from a value/direction standpoint but if Varsho isn’t in CF almost everyday then it’s not the best use of the assets on the roster.

[jaysblue]

You guys are REALLY going to hate this suggestion but how about Randall Grichuk as a KK platoon partner?

 

He mashes lefties, both last year (155 wRC+, compared to 79 vs RHP) and in his career (116 compared to 92 vs RHP).

 

You could probably get him for a ham sandwich. Duvall or MAT would also be good options but they would probably be a lot more expensive.

 

If KK is going to be on the strong side of platoon, Grichuk for some pop might not be that bad to have mainly hitting against RHP. Could also play all around the OF as well in case.

 

Would prefer Duvall but Grichuk isn't a bad option either if he's cheaper. Would hope the Jays go big on a DH like Hoskins or JDM though.

[Terminator]

I like KK but is this going to block Varsho from playing CF and having any actual value to this team?

 

This matters to some degree but I think it's probably overstated.

 

Fans often want to pencil in perfect fits everywhere but the realities of a s***** FA class are going to prevent those perfect fits from happening.

 

Varsho still played 64 games in CF last year and that was with KK remaining almost entirely healthy and playing in 130 games. Shave that down to 100 games for KK and all of the sudden Varsho is playing 90+ in CF. So if Varsho is in LF for 80 games or so instead of CF how badly does that actually affect his value? I'm just eyeballing these numbers, mind you but the point still stands.

 

On top of it, you need two CFers on your team anyway and this team only had one. KK's salary is low enough that if Bellinger is cheap enough (though I think that ship has now sailed) or if something else presents itself via trade they could still do it and just move KK to a more traditional 4th OF role. Or you could DH Springer more.

[Frenchsoup]

f*** Kiermeir has so many tools, he's a fun watch.

[BTS]

Still can't believe that people are complaining in here that the team added an OF who's too good at playing CF SMH

[Terminator]

If KK is going to be on the strong side of platoon, Grichuk for some pop might not be that bad to have mainly hitting against RHP. Could also play all around the OF as well in case.

 

Would prefer Duvall but Grichuk isn't a bad option either if he's cheaper. Would hope the Jays go big on a DH like Hoskins or JDM though.

 

Yeah Grichuk could be a fit while being cheap. He's kind of changed his game and I think he looks like a corner short side platoon guy this coming year.

 

Plus, he and KK would form the greatest looking OF platoon in Major League Baseball history. I mean WOW.

[Angrioter]

Better than Michael A Taylor

[Jays24]

Did the KK signing break the board? What are these database errors lol

[Laika]

This matters to some degree but I think it's probably overstated.

 

Fans often want to pencil in perfect fits everywhere but the realities of a s***** FA class are going to prevent those perfect fits from happening.

 

Varsho still played 64 games in CF last year and that was with KK remaining almost entirely healthy and playing in 130 games. Shave that down to 100 games for KK and all of the sudden Varsho is playing 90+ in CF. So if Varsho is in LF for 80 games or so instead of CF how badly does that actually affect his value? I'm just eyeballing these numbers, mind you but the point still stands.

 

On top of it, you need two CFers on your team anyway and this team only had one. KK's salary is low enough that if Bellinger is cheap enough (though I think that ship has now sailed) or if something else presents itself via trade they could still do it and just move KK to a more traditional 4th OF role. Or you could DH Springer more.

 

Also, the idea that Varsho is amazing in CF but not uber elite in LF is f***ing stupid.

 

Probably just 2023 statistical noise.

 

True talent +20 LF baby

[Sorrow]

I’d love to bring Grichuk back and sign someone like Pederson to DH against RHP. Let’s you move Springer to DH against lefties and run an OF of Varsho, KK and Grichuk or one of KK/Varsho, Grichuk and Springer against lefties if Guerrero needs a DH day.

 

I think KK will get used like he was last year around 110 starts and 20 games as a defensive replacement or pinch runner which is 4th OF territory or the strong side of a platoon.

 

Varsho likely gets used as an everyday player again if the bat bounces back.

 

I’d rather spend 10.5 on KK than 25+ on Bellinger.

[wamco]

I’m for grichuk. Only one of KK / varsho should be in lineup vs LHP.

[wamco]

25% of the budget feels dirty

 

I initially thought about 40 to spend this off-season. Then 10 on green didn’t make sense

If that were true. Thinking the same with KK. I feel more like there is 50 to spend before this signing. Any way you run the numbers/options, I don’t think you can build a WS winner with only 30m remaining to spend without moving Rickey the dragon tiedemann.

 

30 wouldn’t even be enough to bring chappy back and replace belt w one of the remaining DH types without a legit trade.

[Terminator]

I’d love to bring Grichuk back and sign someone like Pederson to DH against RHP. Let’s you move Springer to DH against lefties and run an OF of Varsho, KK and Grichuk or one of KK/Varsho, Grichuk and Springer against lefties if Guerrero needs a DH day.

 

I think KK will get used like he was last year around 110 starts and 20 games as a defensive replacement or pinch runner which is 4th OF territory or the strong side of a platoon.

 

Varsho likely gets used as an everyday player again if the bat bounces back.

 

I’d rather spend 10.5 on KK than 25+ on Bellinger.

 

RF- Springer

SS- Bo

DH- Joc Pederson (L)

1B- Vlad

2B- Babe Schneider

LF- Varsho (L)

C- Kirk

CF- Kiermaier/Grichuk (L/R)

3B- IKF (If Spanky's sources are correct)

[wamco]

I wouldn’t count captain Morgan as a reliable source

[Jays24]

RF- Springer

SS- Bo

DH- Joc Pederson (L)

1B- Vlad

2B- Babe Schneider

LF- Varsho (L)

C- Kirk

CF- Kiermaier/Grichuk (L/R)

3B- IKF (If Spanky's sources are correct)

 

I would cry if that's our 2024 lineup lol

[Terminator]

I would cry if that's our 2024 lineup lol

 

It isn't very sexy but with a good bench, elite defense and very good rotation and bullpen it probably gets them to the trade deadline in contention while keeping all of their prospects and having good payroll flexibility moving forward.

 

The free agent class sucks and there just aren't many sellers right now to do a trade at a position like 3B. I think more of them will pop up come the trade deadline.

[Terminator]

Also, don't forget that we brought back Chad Green. In the 5 seasons prior to his injury he was the 5th best reliever in baseball in terms of WAR.

[Jays24]

It isn't very sexy but with a good bench, elite defense and very good rotation and bullpen it probably gets them to the trade deadline in contention while keeping all of their prospects and having good payroll flexibility moving forward.

 

The free agent class sucks and there just aren't many sellers right now. I think more of them will pop up come the trade deadline.

 

Agreed that the FA class sucks but I'm still hoping we land 2 of Teo, Solar or JDM, Chapman. Teo and JDM shouldn't cost us much and would greatly improve the offense.

 

RF Springer

SS Bo

1B Vlad

DH JDM

LF Teo

C Kirk/Jansen

CF KK/Varsho

3B cheap FA or one of the AAA guys

2B Biggio/Schneider

 

Absolutely sucks that our best 6 hitters are all Right Handed but I'd rather have that than settle for a crappier Left Handed bat for the sake of lineup balance.

[wamco]

It isn't very sexy but with a good bench, elite defense and very good rotation and bullpen it probably gets them to the trade deadline in contention while keeping all of their prospects and having good payroll flexibility moving forward.

 

The free agent class sucks and there just aren't many sellers right now. I think more of them will pop up come the trade deadline.

 

I’d think that would leave enough money to sign hicks and a 5th sp for example. Otherwise , that team stinks

[Terminator]

Agreed that the FA class sucks but I'm still hoping we land 2 of Teo, Solar or JDM, Chapman. Teo and JDM shouldn't cost us much and would greatly improve the offense.

 

RF Springer

SS Bo

1B Vlad

DH JDM

LF Teo

C Kirk/Jansen

CF KK/Varsho

3B cheap FA or one of the AAA guys

2B Biggio/Schneider

 

Absolutely sucks that our best 6 hitters are all Right Handed but I'd rather have that than settle for a crappier Left Handed bat for the sake of lineup balance.

 

Yeah something like that could still happen. JDM and Pederson are pretty similar anyway.

 

And I think an IKF signing wouldn't necessarily preclude bringing Chapman back but it is good insurance if we don't. Same thing for KK and signing someone like Teo.

[Terminator]

I’d think that would leave enough money to sign hicks and a 5th sp for example. Otherwise , that team stinks

 

Projects to be barely worse than the Yankees and everyone is slobbing their knobs after their offseason. But yeah it still has good payroll flexibility so there is more that could be done if you desire.

[Angrioter]

It isn't very sexy but with a good bench, elite defense and very good rotation and bullpen it probably gets them to the trade deadline in contention while keeping all of their prospects and having good payroll flexibility moving forward.

 

The free agent class sucks and there just aren't many sellers right now to do a trade at a position like 3B. I think more of them will pop up come the trade deadline.

 

Elite defense Ala Jays 2023.

 

Just one run playoffs 2023