Blue Jays: External Options at Second Base

The Blue Jays depth at second is starting to show how thin it is even though Ryan Goins and Darwin Barney have both dazzled at times this season, but they can’t compare to Devon Travis. Other options could be needed if Travis is out too long.

Previously I looked at the idea of transitioning Devon Travis to Left Field. This article assumes that the Blue Jays will explore this, or that Travis will be out for the better part of the season. Recent weeks have made it clear that the Blue Jays should not expect the duo of Barney and Goins to carry them deep into the season.

If the Blue Jays are going to attempt to break past .500 ball, and attempt another playoff run, they’ll need some more help at the position. They Blue Jays have some in-house options in Buffalo with Jason Leblebijian and Jake Elmore. They will likely be too unseasoned to help the Jays make a deep run. Let’s take a look at a few external candidates that may be able to help the Blue Jays.

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Neil Walker

The Mets are struggling this year, and very well could be sellers at the deadline. While the Blue Jays have been linked to the likes of Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson, Walker could be a boon to the Jays lineup. On the season so far he has posted an Average of .263 with 8 Home Runs, 32 Runs, and 32 RBI’s. Walker has been on a tear recently, and will likely cool down. That said, he could more than adequately replicate Travis type numbers. Walker accepted the 17.2 Million Qualifying offer last year, so he would be a pricey rental. Walker is currently dealing with his own knee problems, an issue that would need to be monitored. However, he is unlikely to land on the DL. Walker is a capable player, enjoying success and shouldn’t be cost too much prospect capital to wrest away from New York. Walker represents the rental player to fill in for Travis on the year, and not be resigned this winter.

Walker has been on a tear recently, and will likely cool down. That said, he could more than adequately replicate Travis type numbers. Walker accepted the 17.2 million qualifying offer last year, so he would be a pricey rental. Walker is currently dealing with his own knee problems, an issue that would need to be monitored. However, he is unlikely to land on the DL.

Walker is a capable player, enjoying success and shouldn’t be cost too much prospect capital to wrest away from New York. Walker represents the rental player to fill in for Travis on the year, and not be resigned this winter.

Joe Panik

The Giants are another team that has struggled much more than expected. Joe Panik has posted an average of .255 with 3 home runs, 18 rbi’s, and 22 runs. Panik has struggled this year, but so have the rest of the Giants. While he is a far cry from producing the numbers that Travis has on offense, he won a Golden Glove last year. With the pitching staff, the Blue Jays field adding another defensive whiz to the field could go a long way in saving runs.

With the pitching staff the Blue Jays field, adding another defensive whiz to the field could go a long way in saving runs. Panik is pre-arbitration but could come at a discount given the year he and the Giants have been having. Panik represents a long-term replacement for the Blue Jays. Only a realistic option if the Blue Jays do intend on putting Travis somewhere else on the field.

Next: Biagini To Pen is No Brainer

Both players represent strong options for multiple possibilities. Walker would be the hard-hitting rental filling in for Travis on the season. While Panik the young defender signaling the transition of Travis to another position. Both are realistic options monetarily and shouldn’t dip into the Blue Jays prospect capital too much. While we are a long way from this decision, I’m sure the Blue Jays brain trust is already looking into this situation.