Blue Jays: Looking ahead at the FA outfield market

Mid-Tier Options

Jay Bruce

The Blue Jays were tied to Bruce many times throughout the last couple of seasons, but a deal never came to fruition. He was eventually traded to Cleveland, and he’s had a great season, slugging 34 home runs and knocking in 94 runs batted in.

He’ll likely be affordable, and the Blue Jays may be interested in his left handed bat, but he would be best served as a DH/1st baseman these days, two positions the Blue Jays have plenty of depth for already.

Probability of being a Blue Jay=  C-

Carlos Gonzalez

This one intrigues me, mostly because I think he’s more valuable than people give him credit for. That’s often the case with players who’ve made themselves known while playing in Colorado’s hitter’s haven, but I’m not sure it’s totally fair. And please, don’t point to Troy Tulowitzki as proof of this theory either. You have to be healthy to hit, and he’s been anything but that while in a Blue Jays’ uniform.

Gonzalez feels like the type that might accept a 1 year deal to re-establish his value, and it might not be all that expensive. That makes sense of course, as he’s hit just .254 with 13 home runs and 54 RBI in a down season for the 3x All-Star. He’ll be 32 on opening day next year, so he should have some solid baseball left in him, and could be an oddly decent fit.

Probability of being a Blue Jay=  B-

Melky Cabrera

Would the Blue Jays consider a reunion with the Melk-Man? His defence leaves a little to be desired, but the switch-hitter can still hit for average, and has even added 17 home runs and 79 RBI this year.

It’s hard to say what his market might look like this offseason, and he could be a name to keep an eye on. Ideally the Blue Jays would like to have someone with better defensive skills in the outfield, but Cabrera is the type of hitter that the lineup badly needed this season, so his fit in the lineup makes sense that way at least.

Probability of being a Blue Jay=  C+