Blue Jays should include Curtis Granderson in the rebuild

As the Toronto Blue Jays look toward a rebuild and youth movement next season perhaps a player of Curtis Granderson’s ilk could be utilized to shape the clubhouse and mentor the up and comers on what it takes to succeed at the major league level.

The baseball experts all forecasted that Curtis Granderson would be dealt at the trade deadline as the veteran outfielder is once again poised to hit free agency at season’s end. There is a possibility the Grandyman could be dealt in August however the Blue Jays may be better served approaching Granderson with a contract extension for 2019.

Granderson is earning a modest $5 million this season so the financial repercussions are minimal when considering offering Granderson an extended stay north of the border. The 37-year old is the consummate professional and the mentoring role he could provide to the rookies would be invaluable.

Prior to last night’s game, Granderson was awarded the Heart and Hustle award by Blue Jays alumni Pat Tabler. The award is handed out to the player on each team who passionately embodies the values, spirit, and traditions of the game.

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The outfielder is also an active member of the MLB Players Association and an executive council member. Granderson is the exact person you would like to see on the bench mentoring the likes of Bo Bichette, Danny Jansen or Vladdy Jr. about the finer points of the game.

It isn’t like he can’t still play either, Granderson has hit a productive .235 with 10 round trippers in his first season with Toronto and fifteenth in the majors.

Who knows if Granderson would even consider playing for a non-contender next season but the benefits of re-upping Granderson immensely outweigh the low-level prospect the Jays would command if they look to trade the veteran later this month.

Make it happen, Ross!