Blue Jays: Predicting how the remaining budget will be utilized

After signing Curtis Granderson, the Blue Jays have approximately $15 million available to spend this offseason. Here’s a prediction of the signings the Blue Jays could potentially make while taking into consideration the budget remaining.

So far the Blue Jays have made three ‘major’ moves this offseason. The acquisition of Aledmys Diaz was the first one, and then in the last ten days they’ve acquired Yangervis Solarte from the Padres and signed veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson to a one year deal worth $5 million. After these three moves, the Jays have about $15 million left to cover several needs.

The needs are:

• Starting pitcher

• Outfielder

• Relief pitching

• Backup catcher

Of course, it isn’t certain the Blue Jays have in mind signing an outfielder, a starting pitcher, relievers and a backup catcher as they do have internal options to cover the needs. Teoscar Hernández could be in the outfield mix along Granderson, Steve Pearce, and Kevin Pillar. Joe Biagini could be the 5th starter. The bullpen could have youngsters like Carlos Ramirez, Tim Mayza on opening day, and the backup for Russell Martin could very well be Luke Maile as the Jays haven’t seemed very involved in the catching market so far and it is a thin market. However, these scenarios aren’t the ideal ones and the Blue Jays will certainly make some moves in order to make this team more competitive for the 2018 season.