Blue Jays: 10 Minor League Contract Targets

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Avery, LF/CF/RF, LHB, 25 yrs old

• Last played for (MLB): BAL in 2012
• Last played for (AAA): 3 teams in 2015
• 2015 Stats: 476 AB / 134 H / 32 XBH / 52 RBI / 19 SB / .282 / .343 / .382

I’m positive Xavier will find a new home fairly quickly this offseason and could feasibly earn a spot on the bench in spring training if he lands on the right team. Unfortunately for him, the competition in Toronto is fierce in the OF and unless a trade is made, he’d have a hard time finding his way on the opening day roster. However, his speed and ability to cover all 3 OF positions should entice the Jays to make him a fair offer and to make him the depth piece behind Kevin Pillar for CF. Still reaching his prime, Avery could surprise many with a breakout season and has the tools to do so.

Brandon Allen, 1B/DH, LHB, 29 yrs old

• Last played for (MLB): TB in 2012
• 2015 Stats (AAA): 406 AB / 111 H / 48 XBH / 68 RBI / 4 SB / .273 / .350 / .478

Allen will be on many radars this offseason, and I know what you’re thinking, the Jays already have a ton of depth on their roster. In fact, with Devon Travis and Michael Saunders coming back into the fold, something’s gotta give on the 1B front because the Jays can’t carry Chris Colabello, Edwin Encarnacion, and Justin Smoak. They’re likely going to have to deal one and therefore adding someone of high caliber in AAA may be a necessity to act as depth for the team.

Next: The last two are two great reclamation projects