Blue Jays: Early prediction about free agent additions
Utility Infield
This is a position where “what I think will happen”, and “what I wish would happen” are two totally different things. I’m sure you can guess where I’m going with this.
This year the Blue Jays relied on Ryan Goins and Darwin Barney to fill the utility roles, and eventually the majority starters in the middle infield with the injuries to Troy Tulowitzki and Devon Travis. Barney is a free agent, and despite the fact that both sides get along great, I’m going to guess that they move on in 2018. Goins is under control through arbitration, and I expect the team will bring him back in some capacity. I know some of you love this, and others absolutely despite it, but that’s what I’m gonna guess here.
The team has players like Richard Urena and Lourdes Gourriel Jr in their minor league system as well for depth, but both players could use some more seasoning before being counted on at the highest level. There are others coming as well like Bo Bichette and eventually Logan Warmoth, but that doesn’t help for 2018.
If it were up to me, I would pursue someone like Jedd Lowrie, who can play all over the diamond and provides a decent bat. He’s got an option in his contract with the Oakland A’s next season, but should be someone the Jays could acquire either through free agency or in trade if it came to it. Still, I expect they’ll start the season with a healthy Tulowitzki and Travis with Goins in the utility role, and Urena waiting in Triple A. Maybe they retain Barney as well, but it doesn’t feel like the team is going to spend a whole lot, especially with the potential in the minor leagues.