Blue Jays: Who they could add from the DFA list

With the Blue Jays adding Michael Saunders to the organization with a minor league deal, is it possible they’re looking at other new free agents who’ve been recently designated for assignment? Have they missed out on a few opportunities?

It’s that time in the baseball calendar when teams start cutting bait with struggling players, as was the case when the Blue Jays designated Jason Grilli for assignment this week.

The Blue Jays snapped up Michael Saunders on a MiLB deal, after he was DFA’d by the Phillies last week. He’ll begin his second tenure with the Blue Jays in Triple-A Buffalo, and he’ll need to prove himself in order to get a shot at the big league roster, one would assume anyway.

Grilli’s departure gives the Blue Jays some added flexibility, especially in the bullpen picture, and they could explore the list of other recently designated players. There are a few notable names, and the Blue Jays have had some luck by giving veterans a new uniform, as was the case with Grilli, and Joaquin Benoit last season.

They’re reportedly somewhat interested in the newly available Miguel Montero, who was let go by the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. It’s unlikely the Jays would be willing to pay the roughly seven million remaining on his contract, but he could be had for a pro-rated minimum, very soon.

The whole situation makes me wonder if there are other names who are available, and/or may fit better on the roster. With that in mind, let’s have a look at the list of some of the recently available big leaguers who are looking for a new team, and a few the Jays may have missed out on, at least via the waiver wire.

If you want another catcher…

Miguel Montero- Catcher (formerly of the Cubs)

As described in the opening page, Montero was let go by the Cubs, and it appears that it was because of a clash in the clubhouse. After having caught Jake Arrieta on Tuesday night, Montero said some not so flattering things about his battery mates ability to hold runners on. The pair allowed seven stolen bases in the game, and clearly Montero was frustrated with having the finger pointed at him.

Still, it’s not a good look for the veteran, especially considering he’s fighting for playing time as it is. One of the team’s stars, Anthony Rizzo, has said that he’s not a very good clubhouse guy either, which also doesn’t help him reputation.

The Blue Jays have made clubhouse chemistry a big focus in recent years, so their reported interest in Montero is somewhat surprising, though they’re a long way from signing him. He could be an offensive upgrade over Luke Maile, but he’d certainly be a downgrade on defence.

Derek Norris

The Rays designated Derek Norris for assignment in order to make room for Wilson Ramos‘ return to the lineup. The veteran backstop was hitting .201 with nine home runs and 24 RBI thus far with the Rays, playing part time with the AL East rival.

If the Jays are wanting to take a look at other options behind the plate, it’s possible that Norris could provide just that. Obviously his batting average isn’t anything to write home about, but he’s got some pop and has been a solid veteran throughout his career. It seems likely that he’ll catch on somewhere, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Jays took a look.

Former Blue Jays

Aaron Hill

Aaron Hill started for the Blue Jays from 2005- 2011, and was an All-Star in 2008 when he hit .286 with 36 home runs and 108 RBI. That was a long time ago though, unfortunately.

Hill was designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants this week, which isn’t a great look considering the club is just 30-51, good for last place in the NL West. The move does make some sense, as the Giants will likely give some of their younger depth a look as they try to figure out what changes need to be made during the upcoming offseason.

Although he wasn’t great, he can play in left field and has plenty of experience at second base as well, so who knows. He was hitting .250/.235/.485 in 80 plate appearances this season, so he wasn’t a complete disaster. It’s also possible the 35 year old may have some difficulty finding another job.

Asher Wojciechowski

The former Jays’ prospect was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds, who had run out of patience with the 28 year old. He had made six appearances with the Reds this season, with four of them being starts.

He finished the 2017 season with a record of 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA over four starts and 21.1 innings pitched. He was drafted by the Blue Jays in the first round (41st overall) of the 2010 draft, and was eventually traded to the Houston Astros in the first J.A. Happ trade.

He did accept an assignment to Triple A in the Reds system, so it’s entirely possible he finishes out his season in their minor league system.

Danny Farquhar

Farquhar was a hailed Blue Jays’ prospect at one time, and has since become a useful reliever throughout his MLB career. He had struggled with the Tampa Bay Rays this season though, leading to his being designated on Wednesday.

He wasn’t terrible this season, pitching to a 4.24 ERA over 34.1 innings, but the Rays had a roster shuffle with Ramos returning, which also lead to Norris’ designation.

It would be surprising if Farquhar doesn’t get snapped up somewhere, but it’s possible the Blue Jays take a pass. They could use some bullpen upgrades, but I’m not sure he fits the mold of what they need, at least in my mind. Then again he has a career 3.87 ERA, and he throws hard, so he could be a nice bargain for someone.

Any useful arms out there?

Mason Melotakis

The left-handed reliever was a bit of a surprise to see on the DFA list, but the Twins had to make room and he was one of the unlucky arms. It was a surprise that the cleared waivers and was moved to Triple A, especially with the need from the left side being a common issue in the MLB.

He has even performed well in 2017, finishing with an ERA of 2.28, and a 10.4K/9 rating, obviously solid numbers for the southpaw.

Chris Young

I’ve written about Neftali Feliz a couple times in the last week or so, and I’ll mention it one last time, as it’s relevant to Chris Young’s situation. The soft tossing righty was designated for assignment when the Royals added Feliz, and is now looking for another gig.

While he was a very useful arm for the Royals last season, he wasn’t able to repeat the same performance in 2017. He appeared in 14 games and made just two starts, finishing with an ERA of 7.50 over 30 innings pitched.

With a WHIP over 2.00, Young will likely have to accept a minor league assignment somewhere if he wants to try to claw his way back to the big leagues. At 38 years old, it’s also possible this is the end of the line for the likeable veteran.

Alex Wimmers

Wimmers has another former first round pick who was designated, being sent down at the same time as Melotakis. The talented right-hander was supposed to eventually find his way into the big league rotation, but he was DFA’d for the second time in his career, leaving him the option of electing free agency as well.

He’s an unlikely candidate for the Blue Jays to consider, but it’s possible he could serve as depth in Triple A if the Jays like his upside. He is also 28 years old, and has stayed relatively healthy after battling injury throughout his career.

Jeanmar Gomez

Also designated by the Phillies on the same day they cut Michael Saunders, the 29 year old has had some success in the big leagues.

Gomez had a 7.25 ERA in 22.1 innings with the Phillies this year, but he posted ERAs of 3.19 (2014) and 3.01 (2015) in the past, so he’s shown upside before. It’s doubtful the Blue Jays would grab him as well with the other arms available, but it’s hard to say what his market might be after his struggles this season.

Missed out already

Stephen Vogt

It’s curious to hear that the Blue Jays might be interested in Miguel Montero, especially because Stephen Vogt was available as recently as last week. It’s not that Vogt has All-Star potential anymore, but he should have as much upside as the other catchers who have been designated.

He was hitting .217/.287/.357 with the A’s before he was released, and has already been snapped up by the Brewers. He doesn’t rate as a great defensive catcher by any means, but he’s had a history of success on the offensive side of the ball. He was an All-Star in both 2015 and 2016 as well, so it hasn’t been that long since he was useful.

It’s a moot point though, as he’s already signed with the Brewers and made his debut on Wednesday evening.

Neftali Feliz

Okay, I’ll drop it, I just have this eery feeling that he’s going to find himself. Something about missing out on a power pitcher that could be had for nothing eats at me a little, but this could be one of those things that people make fun of me about in a couple months.

Francisco Rodriguez

Like Feliz, I would have been in favour of giving K-Rod a chance to revive his career in Toronto. He’s obviously had a successful career, compiling 437 career saves since his debut in 2002.

He’s already signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals and could even be a candidate to pitch at the back of their bullpen, despite just a 7.82 ERA this season while pitching with Detroit. The Nationals have been thin in that department all season long, so it’s probably worthwhile gamble to see if the veteran has a few tricks left up his sleeve.