The Toronto Blue Jays have some big plans for their bullpen this upcoming off-season and while many pitchers will likely not be returning, Genesis Cabrera looks to be coming back.
Cabrera was acquired by the Blue Jays in 2023 from the St Louis Cardinals and has been playing much better than anyone expected especially in 2024 as he was one of the few reliable bullpen pitchers on the Blue Jays terrible roster.
At the time, it was a nothing trade for a bullpen arm with a 5.06 ERA. But in the year-plus of tenure with the Blue Jays, he's been a calming force in a dumpster fire of a bullpen. And this year, he blossomed into a reliable reliever in a rotating cast of very unreliable relievers. -Hunter
The Toronto Blue Jays look like they will be holding onto Genesis Cabrera next season
Cabrera seems to be one of the few that will be remaining after the season he had even though he is headed into his first year arbitration eligible which will likely double his pay from $1.5 million to $3 million but for a reliable option it would be worth it.
Cabrera is first-year arbitration-eligible in 2025, which means his salary is likely to double from $1.513 million into the $3 million range. For a team that doesn't have a blank cheque budget to overhaul their bullpen, $3 million for Cabrera seems like a fair amount for an 18-22% strikeout pitcher who throws from the left side. -Hunter
While Cabrera is set to return, his role will likely drop down next season if the Blue Jays end up going to get stronger bullpen arms.
On a competitive team with a much-improved bullpen, Cabrera should slot in as maybe the number four or five guy on the depth chart, not the number two option out of the bullpen for the manager. -Hunter