Blue Jays contracts and team control: 2016 and beyond

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Jul 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) at bat against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Since the Blue Jays stole the show at the MLB non-waiver trade deadline, I’ve been asked countless times how sustainable this roster’s success is. Many Blue Jays fans cringed at the idea of giving up young, controllable and talented prospects for the likes of David Price, Troy Tulowitzki and Ben Revere. While the farm has been thinned, I remain confident that the Blue Jays have an 18-month comfort zone, at minimum, to rebuild their prospect pool without significantly altering their 25-man roster.

Pre-Arbitration or Arbitration Eligible

Toronto has an interesting mix of players still under control through pre-arb or arbitration years. While this group will often be stocked with young talent just breaking through at the MLB level, we also see names like Josh Donaldson, whose late MLB start gives the Jays a perennial All-Star at a fraction of the price.

Beginning with players that are first eligible for free agency in 2021, let’s work back through the long list of Jays who are set to remain critical, and affordable, parts of the organization.

[All contract details via Baseball Reference]

Earliest Arbitration Eligible: 2018 – Earliest FA: 2021

Devon Travis: Travis has been a revelation since coming over from the Detroit Tigers for Anthony Gose, and if it weren’t for injuries, he’d be near the top of the AL Rookie of the Year race. He should step back in as the full-time starter at second base in 2016 and beyond.

Kevin Pillar: After entering spring training as a possible fourth outfielder behind Pompey and Saunders, Pillar has risen to a locked-in starter at centre fielder. His bat has followed along, but it’s been his glove that has wowed Jays fans. The outfield could become crowded going forward, but that’s not a bad thing, and Pillar has the inside edge.

Ryan Goins: While he’s unlikely to be an MLB starter without a DL stint ahead of him on the depth chart, Goins is proving to be a valuable piece again this season. His defense remains strong and he’s even shown a little pop at the dish. With some work, he’ll remain as infield depth going forward.

Dalton Pompey: The Canadian is swinging a hot bat in the Minor Leagues right now, but has yet to get another look from the MLB club. His 2015 hasn’t gone as planned, but as the organization’s new #1 prospect, he’ll have a long look in 2016. The talent is there, but for Pompey, he must prove that he can hit at the MLB level.

Marcus Stroman: We’re all hoping that 2015 isn’t over for the Stro Show, but regardless, he’ll be one of Toronto’s biggest additions next season in the rotation. Fans love him, opponents hate facing him, and we can look forward to many more years of bubble-blowing on the mound in Toronto.

Aaron Sanchez: The Sanchize isn’t going anywhere, either. I’m already dreading the “bullpen or rotation” conversation we’re due to have again next year, but at the same time, I’m confident he can succeed in either role.

Roberto Osuna: Stroman, Sanchez, now Osuna? It’s an accomplishment that Anthopoulos made it out of the deadline with these young arms still in the fold. We’ll also have the bullpen/rotation conversation with Osuna, but this is a 35-year old veteran in a 20-year old’s body. Big things lie ahead for Osuna.

Bo Schultz: For every 10 relievers you throw at the wall, one will stick. Schultz has been that “one” for the Jays in 2015, helping to solidify the back end of their bullpen until reinforcements came along. He’ll be given every opportunity to break camp with the big club next season.

Next: Donaldson at a discount and more valuable control

Aug 3, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) hits a double in the first inning against Minnesota Twins at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Earliest Arbitration Eligible: 2017 – Earliest FA: 2020

Chris Colabello: This should be a hint as to why the Blue Jays have held on to Colabello throughout their recent roster moves. Not only has he put up good numbers in 2015, but he comes with four more years of team control. I can’t see Colabello as a full-time starter, but as a bench bat, you could do much, much worse.

Liam Hendriks: The Crocodile has been an incredible asset out of the bullpen this season, even if he’s gone criminally underused at times. The move from starter to reliever has done wonders for his fastball velocity, and I love his chances to be an impact pitcher for the Jays in 2016 and beyond. Re-acquiring Hendriks is a move we don’t give Alex enough credit for.

Chad Jenkins: I include Jenkins here because I remain hopeful that he can take a run at the MLB roster next season. He’s enjoyed success with AAA Buffalo this season, and if he can become a little more dominant with his ground ball pitches, his team control could be valuable over the next few seasons.

Arbitration Eligible in 2016 – Earliest FA: 2019

Josh Donaldson: The Bringer of Rain is due for a pay bump, and he deserves it. I’m still intrigued to see if Toronto makes a push to extend Donaldson before the end of his arbitration years, but rest assured, he’s not leaving anytime soon.

Munenori Kawasaki: Team control on Muni? These are blessed times. It wouldn’t shock me to see the Blue Jays pass on Kawasaki in 2016, but if they return him for AAA depth, worse things have happened. He should be near the bottom of Toronto’s priorities.

Drew Hutchison: It’s been a year to forget for Hutch, but his talent hasn’t disappeared entirely. This will be a crucial offseason for the 2015 Opening Day starter, and barring any further regression, he should have a spot waiting for him in the starting rotation going forward.

Aaron Loup: Like Hutch, this hasn’t been Loup’s year. His MLB roster spot for the remainder of 2015 isn’t a sure thing, but his track record of success sets him up well for a bounce-back season next year.

Steve Delabar: Like Jenkins, I include Delabar just in case he receives another shot in the coming seasons. He looked electric for a short while following his recall, but soon bottomed out. His All-Star season looks like a flash in the pan, but Delabar is an arm worth keeping within the organization.

Next: Short-term control, including a fresh face

Aug 1, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Ben Revere (7) in the dugout during batting practice before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Arbitration Eligible in 2016 – Earliest FA: 2018

Ben Revere: The newcomer is the lone Blue Jay whose earliest free agent eligibility comes in 2018, but his two remaining seasons of control following this season are extremely valuable. The outfield depth chart may look different next spring, but even as a fourth outfielder on this roster, Revere’s speed and contact tools make him a 25-man lock.

Arbitration Eligible in 2016 – Earliest FA: 2017

Justin Smoak: The slugging first baseman has one year of team control following this one, and while he’s not a lock for next year’s roster, he’s worth keeping around. Smoak has power potential that plays well in the Rogers Centre, and provides Toronto’s best defensive option at first.

Michael Saunders: I’m growing less and less certain that we’ll see The Condor in a Blue Jays uniform again this season, but look for him to come back at full health after the winter. He’ll be another intriguing piece in a crowded outfield picture, but as this season has shown us, the Jays will take all the depth they can get.

Josh Thole: Thole becomes almost entirely obsolete without Dickey on the roster, so his fate will likely be tied to the decision made on the knuckler’s contract option. Assuming Dickey returns, Thole is worth a depth role in the Minor Leagues just in case injuries strike the catching position at the MLB level.

Brett Cecil: It was supposed to be a breakout season for Cecil as the Jays’ closer, but that crashed and burned. Thankfully, he’s been much stronger since being moved into more of a seventh-inning role, where he profiles much more naturally.

Next: Existing deals and contract options

Aug 2, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays opening pitcher R.A. Dickey (43) and catcher Russell Martin (55) walk out before game against Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Players Under Existing Contracts

Russell Martin: The Jays catcher remains under contract through 2019, and will see his salary jump to $15 million in the 2016 season. From 2017-2019, Martin will make $20 million annually. Those numbers will be a little easier to swallow after the incredible value Toronto has received from the deal this season, and Martin will remain as the clear-cut starter going forward. Nothing to see here!

Troy Tulowitzki: Toronto’s new shortstop isn’t going anywhere, either. Tulowitzki’s contract runs until 2020 with a team option in 2021. Including that option, Tulo’s deal has six years remaining with $109 million. That’s a lot of coin, but we’ve already seen the great impact he has both with the bat and defensively.

Players with Contract Options

R.A. Dickey: Dickey’s team option will be a hot topic entering the season, at $12 million with a $1 million buyout. If the Jays are getting the Dickey they’ve seen over the past month, this is a no-brainer, but will his age cause another sluggish start in 2016? Can the Jays afford to weather that? Picking up the option just to get 200 innings is not enough in my books, but it seems more likely than not that Dickey will return for one last ride.

Jose Bautista: His contract comes with a team option of $14 million for 2016 that will be an automatic decision for Anthopoulos. Bautista is due for free agency in 2017, though, and that contract situation will be a leading headline throughout next season.

Edwin Encarnacion: Like his long-time battery mate, Encarnacion’s team option of $10 million should be an easy decision. He’s also due for free agency the year following, so the Jays may be forced to “choose” between the two men who have long carried the heart of their order. Don’t rule out a trade in the offseason, though.

Next: Expiring deals. Will Toronto tempt any of them back?

Aug 1, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Dioner Navarro (30) and starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (center) and pitching coach Pete Walker (40) walk onto the field prior to the start of a game against the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre. The Kansas City Royals won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Expiring Contracts

Dioner Navarro: Martin’s arrival pushed Navarro down the totem pole, and despite his wishes to be moved into a starting role elsewhere, it hasn’t happened. He’s collecting a $5 million salary in 2015 and seems very likely to leave for a shot at a full-time role.

Mark Buehrle: Papa Buehrle is a man of mystery, and has dodged all retirement questions thrown his way over the past few months. Many believe that he’ll seek out a short deal closer to home or family, but don’t be surprised if Anthopoulos at least has the conversation with the veteran lefty. He’s been expensive, but he’s earned it.

Marco Estrada: Here’s an interesting one. Estrada could very well chase a free agent contract after this season, and has done extremely well to establish himself as a legitimate MLB starter. This one will come down to dollars and cents, but I expect the Jays to do everything possible to retain the changeup guru.

Mark Lowe: After coming over from the Mariners, Lowe is likely to sign elsewhere following the season. Perhaps Toronto sees something they like, but Lowe’s history suggests that his 2015 performance may not be very sustainable.

LaTroy Hawkins: The 42-year old Hawkins has already stated that he’s headed for retirement. It’s been an incredible career for the right-hander, and his addition in the Tulowitzki trade was a great piece of value.

David Price: The big fish. Price will be the number one baseball story in the city of Toronto over the next six months, but after the deadline we just experienced, maybe the Jays surprise us one last time by opening up the vault. Price gives the Jays a legitimate ace, and with all of this talent under team control for the next year or two, why not aim big?

Next: WATCH Podcast Ep. 31: Trade deadline breakdown

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