Blue Jays advantages in dead Bruce-for-Saunders Trade

Domonic Brown could represent in-house depth

While Saunders hasn’t gone anywhere, that didn’t stop the Blue Jays from signing an All Star outfielder…. At a fraction of the price.

Just days after the trade fell through, the Blue Jays signed former Phillies top prospect Domonic Brown to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. While nothing flashy, it presents an intriguing piece of depth for the Blue Jays. Brown is projected to perform about on par with Saunders in 2016 with an Average of .243, OBP of .297 and an OPS of .704.

It’s nothing special, he is expected to rebound quite significantly after an injury-riddled 2015 and an unproductive 2014. His projected batting line puts him right in line with Bruce and Saunders’ projections. Given that he’s younger than Bruce and Saunders by a year and the once-elite potential he possessed,  Brown could have an edge in the ability to revitalize his career.

Besides, the heart of Toronto’s order is stacked with stars who did not find their stride until they were on the doorstep of 30.

By inviting him to spring training the Jays can see how Brown stacks up to Saunders and Pompey. If he can hang tight enough he may even work is way onto the 25 man roster. Fellow boom-or-bust outfielder Junior Lake will be in the conversation as well.

If Brown can demonstrate being productive, the Blue Jays are looking at having more depth at outfield than room, opening up the option for more trading down the line. While a long shot, Brown represents the kind of big name addition that Bruce does but without the money and the fan fare. Don’t take the lack of fan fare to mean this isn’t a worthwhile addition, in fact, the dead Bruce/Saunders deal may have netted one of Toronto’s most important pick ups to date.

Next: The numbers: Bigger expense than reward?