The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly aren’t interested in landing one of the top free agent hitters available.
After Toronto failed to sign either Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette, some thought the Blue Jays would explore adding another bat. Many linked them to Luis Arraez, who remains a free agent, but MLB insider Ken Rosenthal said that won’t happen.
“There are spots I can imagine him being,” Rosenthal said on Foul Territory on Tuesday. “The Giants are still looking for a second baseman. I don’t know, they would want to compromise the infield defense that way. I know you guys have talked about the Blue Jays a little bit, but I don’t see that. It seems like their infield is set. I would imagine he would get a deal somewhere, and it won’t be a very financially lucrative deal; it will be a prove-it-year for him.”
Arraez could have filled the backup first baseman role, and also played second base and DH when needed with the Blue Jays. Yet, Rosenthal believes Toronto isn’t interested in the hitter.
Arraez hit .292 with 8 home runs and 61 RBIs last season.
Arraez Called a ‘Fascinating Free Agent’
Although Arraez isn’t a power hitter, he does get on base and provides plenty of contact.
However, in the era of power, Arraez doesn’t fit in well, which is why his market has been slow-moving. Yet, Rosenthal does expect him to land somewhere soon, but it will be a prove-it-deal.
“I’m not exactly sure, and it’s almost February, and we have not heard much about him,” Rosenthal said about Arraez. “That doesn’t mean things are not going on behind the scenes. But Arraez is a guy who’s the most fascinating free agent in so many ways. Obviously, he has what they call the hit tool; he can hit for average, that is what he does extraordinarily well.
“The rest of his game is the problem. We are talking defense and power. He has no power in an age when you need power. His defense, whether it’s second or first, is not at an average level at this stage of his career.”
Arraez made $14 million last season with the San Diego Padres.
Blue Jays Likely Done With Offseason Move
Despite Toronto losing out on Tucker and Bichette, the Blue Jays’ offseason moves are likely over.
Blue Jays analyst and insider Mitch Bannon of The Athletic confirmed the team is likely done with offseason moves.
“In short, another major move appears unlikely for the Jays. However, they’ve surprised before. Toronto’s pitching staff appears essentially set,” Bannon wrote. “The Jays also project to have at least a two-win player (a solid starter or better) at every offensive position except left field. Even in left, they can dream of a Santander rebound.
“Barring a lineup-shifting trade, any incoming player would seemingly be a significant upgrade over Santander and Nathan Lukes. There just isn’t room (or need) for a mid-tier addition, and there aren’t many elite options left.”
Toronto bolstered its pitching staff this offseason, signing Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce for the rotation and Tyler Rogers for the bullpen.
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