Blue Jays: Predicting how the remaining budget will be utilized

Outfield- Carlos Gómez

2017 Stats: WAR 1.8  17 HR   51 RBI  13 SB   .255/.340/.462/.802

After signing Granderson the Blue Jays continue to look for an outfielder according to Shi Davidi. The name that’s been related the most with the Jays has been Lorenzo Cain but considering the contract he’s looking for according to reports, even though he would the best upgrade for the outfield, the prediction is he ends up signing with another team and the Blue Jays end up signing a similar player in Carlos Gómez.

The 32-year-old had a good 2017 and MLB Trade Rumors predicts a 2-year deal worth $22 million. Considering how the market has been going so far, expect Gómez to sign for less money. Perhaps a deal around the $18-20 million mark. To have more budget flexibility this offseason the Blue Jays could give him $8 million in 2018 and $12 in 2019 for example. This would cover one of the outfield corners with a player that has adequate defense, with good speed and some power plus the ability to play center field at a fine level. He can be considered the cheaper version of Cain and fits some of the Blue Jays needs for sure.

Backup Catcher- Hank Conger (Minor League Deal)

2017 Stats (Triple-A): 6 HR  40 RBI  .239/.316/.394/.710

Russell Martin is 34 and will have to get more and more days off and that is why the Blue Jays need a good backup catcher who can contribute to some extent. Although Luke Maile is a great defensive catcher, offensively he’s very quiet, to say the least. However, do not be surprised if Maile is the opening day backup catcher as the Jays seem to like a lot his defensive abilities. In any event, what’s expected is they sign at least one catcher on a minors deal. Hank Conger is 29, and even though he isn’t a major threat with the bat by any means, he can do something with it and can contribute. Baseball reference projects him to hit 8 homers along 25 RBI’s with a  .715 OPS. It would certainly be a very significant upgrade over the last backup catchers the Jays have had.

Summary:

Starter addition: Brett Anderson 

Outfield addition: Carlos Gómez

Bullpen addition: Fernando Abad

Backup catcher: Hank Conger

Keep in mind these are just predictions based on the budget the Blue Jays have left and their needs, not the best player possible for each need and position.

Next: Blue Jays sign three minor leaguers