Blue Jays: Predictions as Free Agency opens

Outfield

One of the more debated questions of the offseason will be whether or not the Blue Jays should add a starter to the outfield picture with Teoscar Hernandez tearing the cover off the ball in September. However, if Atkins and Shapiro want to add that impact bat they’re talking about aiming for, right field if the only unoccupied position at the moment, barring a trade of course.

A month or so ago when I put together a similar article, I predicted the Blue Jays would sign Jarrod Dyson, and I’m going to stick with him as my choice here on the opening day of free agency. To me, he represents the best of both worlds for the club, especially if they hope to include Hernandez on their Opening Day roster.

Dyson has made a career out of being a part-time player, and at 33 years old that’ll likely have to continue for the speedy outfielder. That said, the Blue Jays could be the kind of destination that offers him ample playing time, just as he received in Kansas City for years as the fourth outfielder, and that he also benefitted from in Seattle in 2017. He hit .254/.324/.350 in 346 at bats, also adding 28 stolen bases and earning 2.6 WAR in the process.

In Toronto he could offer the type of speed the lineup sorely needs, and a defensive upgrade who is capable of playing all three positions. He’s also the type that doesn’t need to play every day, and would allow for Hernandez to stick with the club to begin the year, but also get enough playing time to justify keeping him with the big league club.

Dyson will likely be looking for an opportunity to play wherever he lands in 2018, and depending on how the Blue Jays pitch him on the idea (if they do, of course), it could be a match that makes sense. I’m rolling with it as my prediction anyway.

Prediction:     2 years at 13 million