Reader Poll: The Next Blue Jays Closer

Here at Jays Journal we’ve been tossing around some possibilities as options for the Blue Jays to improve their bullpen. Given that no one ever knows what GM, Alex Anthopoulos is going to do until it already happens, all we can do is discuss possibilities. We know that AA will attempt to bring in a closer via trade first and free agency second. There are several avenues to accomplish the bullpen upgrade.

So, let’s take it to the reader. We’ve listed several options, but it is time you have your say.

One name the Blue Jays have been linked to is 6 time All Star Jonathan Papelbon of the Phillies. He comes at a price tag of $13M in 2015 with a $13M vesting option for 100 games finished in 2014/2015 or 55 in 2015. He brings a firey, competitive edge to his personality that has tallied him 39 saves last season and 325 for his career.

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Another name that could be had via trade is Tyler Clippard of the Washington Nationals. He is 5 yrs younger than Papelbon and would cost about $4M less (he’s likely to get a huge raise in arbitration). The 2 time All Star saved 32 games in 2012.

A Free Agent Option that has been discussed is Francisco Rodriguez. K-Rod picked up 44 saves for the Brewers last season to bring his career total to 348. He saved 62 games for the Angels in 2008. He has a career K/9 rate of 10.83. He made just over $3M last season after he struggled in 2013 and will certainly cost more than that. 

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A cheaper option might be John Axford. After saving 46 games in 2011 and 35 in 2012, he has struggled to maintain his consistency. The last two seasons saw him play for 4 teams. His issues have been his control. His BB/9 rate last season was 5.9. Yikes. However, if other options don’t work out, it is conceivable that Axford could be had with a very team friendly deal.

Another cheap option is Brian Wilson. The Dodgers have sent him, and his beard, packing. The 3 time All Star was once dominant collecting 163 saves from 2008 through 2011. In 2012, Wilson underwent his 2nd Tommy John surgery and has not lived up to his $9.5M salary prompting the dodgers to cut ties. His control needs to get under control (5.4 BB/9 in 2014) as his K/9 rate is very appealing at 10.1 in 2014.

There you have it. These are just some options available to fill the closer role. So, have your say below. Which is the most appealing to you? If we’ve left anyone out, feel free to offer that suggestion in the comment section below.