Blue Jays seem to be targeting quite a few veterans this off-season
PUBLICATION
Bobby Ohr
September 29, 2024 (5:05 PM)
Photo credit: Akron Beacon Journal
The Toronto Blue Jays are loaded with young talent but many believe, including Kevin Gausman, that they should acquire more veteran players this winter.
As the Blue Jays look to make some serious changes this off-season after an abysmal year, they are reportedly interested in bringing in some veterans.
One vet that could interest Toronto is their former pitcher Matt Boyd who just wrapped up half a season with the Cleveland Guardians after having Tommy John Surgery. Boyd is far from a game changer but could be a reliable pitcher for the Blue Jays.
The 10-year veteran is a familiar face here, as he broke into the big leagues with the Blue Jays all the way back in 2015. He made two uninspiring starts for the club before he was flipped to the Tigers for David Price. Boyd had a long and (mostly) successful eight-year run in Detroit before hitting free agency this past offseason. -Treudon
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Another interesting option would be to go after Elias Diaz as the Blue Jays still need to find another backup to help Alejandro Kirk out. Diaz had a rough season but has a decent bat which means he could likely help the Blue Jays offensively.
The Blue Jays need veterans and they need help behind the plate. Jansen, Diaz, take your pick, but signing the cheaper one and getting the same amount of value for less money will help the Jays spend money on pitching upgrades. -Treuden
The least likely option but still a decent one is relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel who did have a terrible year as he was DFA'd by the Orioles last week. While Kimbrel would be a risky signing, he has still had a hall of fame career which is why he might be worth the risk.
But remember, this is Craig Freakin' Kimbrel we're talking about here. His down year this year should do nothing but lower his ask in free agency, which should put firmly on Ross Atkins' radar. Kimbrel is a nine-time All-Star, two-time Reliever of the Year, a World Series champion and a pitcher who just last year was a reliable cog in the back-end of the Phillies' bullpen. Just give him a shot and see where it goes. -Treuden
Previously on Blue Jays Insider
POLL |
29 SEPTEMBRE | 186 ANSWERS Blue Jays seem to be targeting quite a few veterans this off-season Should the jays bring back Matt Boyd? |
Yes | 34 | 18.3 % |
No | 152 | 81.7 % |
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