Blue Jays: How about a reunion with Adam Lind?

The Blue Jays have several first base options behind Justin Smoak, however, some of them aren’t very convincing or will be needed at other positions. Therefore, should the Jays sign Adam Lind after being released by the division rival Yankees?

The Blue Jays have five options for first base behind all-star Justin Smoak. The five of them were discussed three days ago in ‘ ’Five first base options if Justin Smoak struggles’. Those options are Steve Pearce, Kendrys Morales, Rowdy Tellez, Yangervis Solarte, and Jason Leblebijian. It can be said that’s more than enough depth.

However, two of them are completely unproven at the major league level, Tellez, and Leblebijian. Solarte might very well be needed at other positions such as shortstop or second base. Steve Pearce suffers from injuries every season, so you cannot count on him for an entire season. Lastly, Morales isn’t a very good option to play first base every day. The Blue Jays have depth, but not the best one for first base.

All those points might sound quite negative, but they are realistic.  That is why signing Adam Lind to a minor league deal makes quite a lot of sense to have some more certainty at first base. A minor league deal involves no risk whatsoever, the only negative point about signing Lind is, supposing he would start the season at Triple-A, that he would take away at-bats from prospect Tellez. Lind also played 197.1 innings in left field for the Washington Nationals so he has some versatility too, something which is always good to have on a team.

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Lind a .303 hitter in 2017 with the Nationals hit 14 home runs and drove in 59 runs in just 267 at-bats. By looking at those numbers it’s very surprising to see him without a job at this time and having to look for a minor league deal. He’s another player who’s been affected by the current free agent market in baseball. Some years ago, he would have gotten without a doubt a major league deal.

The 34-year old is a .795 OPS career hitter who could be a great substitute for Smoak in case of any injuries or struggles. The Blue Jays could take advantage of the situation and reunite with a player who had some successful years in Toronto.

Next: Blue Jays: Five First Base Options If Justin Smoak Struggles

Perhaps the factor that may prevent a deal like this one to happen is Lind’s willingness to start the season at Triple-A as the Blue Jays 25 man roster looks set as of now, at least among the position players.