Blue Jays advantages in dead Bruce-for-Saunders Trade

Though now dead, the thought of what might have been still lingers on many fans’ minds. But is it really all that bad that the trade didn’t go through?

A week ago, Blue Jays fans were put through the ringer. As the day progressed, a rumoured trade between the Jays and Reds evolved into active discussions about Jay Bruce and Michael Saunders, then turned into a potential trade involving the Angels as a third team.

The trade was reportedly finalized, only to be scrapped in the late hours of the night due to an issue arising with a player’s physical. While this trade would have had a clear and important impact on the Blue Jays’ 2016 season, the fact that it didn’t happen is nothing to be alarmed about.

In fact, it may even turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Blue Jays.

Bruce isn’t an upgrade

Trading for Bruce seems appealing, but when comparing his numbers (especially the past two seasons) to those of Saunders, there is not a lot to be desired. Bruce comes at a heavier price tag due to his two All Star and Silver Slugger Awards he earned between 2011 and 2013. Since then though, Bruce has struggled with injuries and has been nothing more than an average ball player.

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He has kept significant pop in his bat, so when he hits, he does hit for power. That said, his average and OBP have been lackluster to say the least over the last two seasons. This trend is expected to continue as Bruce is only projected to hit a .235 Average with an OBP of .305 and an OPS of .728 this upcoming season. While he’s expected to contribute offensively in the homer and RBI department, is that what the Jays really need?

Saunders, on the other hand, does not carry the heavy price tag, and aside from his lost 2015 campaign, has only improved every season he’s played.

So while Bruce has seen his abilities wane, Saunders has improved and still holds potential if healthy. While he does not possess the pop that Bruce does, do the Blue Jays really need it? Despite not packing the pop, Saunders is projected to contribute an Average of .246 with an OBP of .324 and an OPS of .744. These numbers exceed those of Bruce, and put Saunders in a spot to audition for lead off, a position Bruce won’t be playing any time soon.

Next: A new dark horse with Brown in left field

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?

Bruce was unneeded expense

While adding a flashy name like Bruce always sounds appealing, the ugly reality is that with big names come bigger contracts. And while we don’t know for sure if the Reds or Angels would have sent income compensation (it was reported they would not), the fact of the matter is that Bruce is still owed a decent chunk of change.

He will earn 12.5 million this year with a 13 million/1 million buyout coming in 2017. With Saunders making just 2.9 million, and Brown even less than that, the Blue Jays would have needed to invest a serious chunk of change in Bruce. With the talks of resigning Bautista and Encarnacion already underway and in a state of constant media chaos (at least in Bautista’s case), investing that much money in a marginally better outfielder seems wasteful and frivolous.

By saving nearly 10 million by not acquiring Bruce, the Blue Jays free a significant amount of financial flexibility. Whether they use it to invest in Joey or Edwing or not, the Jays benefited financially by not making the deal.

With a lot of depth still on the free agent market, names like Kyle Lohse, Alfredo Simon, Aaron Harang, and Joe Nathan are on the list of Pitching talents still without homes. This late in the off season, many of them could come cheap, and cheap upside arms in the pen is something that wouldn’t hurt the 2016 Jays by any means.

Furthermore if the Blue Jays are concerned about Saunders’ health, Marlon Byrd and Austin Jackson are intriguing free agent options in the outfield while the trade and waiver wire will pick up as 25-man rosters are former.

Next: Don't forget: The offseason still isn't over