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Jays Journal

Blue Jays: Several vets that shouldn’t be traded at lowest value

By Chris Henderson

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Aaron Sanchez #41 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park on September 12, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts.(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Aaron Sanchez #41 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park on September 12, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts.(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – AUGUST 3: Russell Martin #55 of the Toronto Blue Jays isx congratulated by Randal Grichuk #15 of the Toronto Blue Jays after scoring on a sacrifice fly by Kevin Pillar #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays off of relief pitcher Chasen Bradford #60 of the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning of a game at Safeco Field on August 3, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Blue Jays won the game 7-2. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – AUGUST 3: Russell Martin #55 of the Toronto Blue Jays isx congratulated by Randal Grichuk #15 of the Toronto Blue Jays after scoring on a sacrifice fly by Kevin Pillar #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays off of relief pitcher Chasen Bradford #60 of the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning of a game at Safeco Field on August 3, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Blue Jays won the game 7-2. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

Russell Martin

The further I get into this piece, the more likely it is that the candidates will be moved this offseason. However, I think there’s a solid argument that the Blue Jays should hang on to Russell Martin for at least the start of the 2019 season, even if both Danny Jansen and Reese McGuire look like they’re ready for semi-regular duty.

To begin with, Martin would be an ideal mentor for the pair of young catchers, even if it would be a little difficult to carry three catchers. The Blue Jays could elect to start one of them in Buffalo at the beginning of the year, or use Martin in more of a utility role, much like we saw at times in 2018. They would have to make some other trades to make it work (see: the infield), but it’s possible they could make it fly.

Beyond that, I really do believe Martin has more left in the tank than we saw from him in 2018, and I feel like he’s someone who could actually garner a return in the right circumstances. He’s got a long history of playoff pedigree, and the potential to be an asset on both sides of the ball, even when he’ll be at the age of 36 by Opening Day.

There’s also the part about his 20 million dollar salary next season, which would lower as the season wears on if he’s still in Toronto. If he’s performing then another team may be able to swallow a bigger portion of his contract, because as it stands the Blue Jays would have to pay down a significant amount in order to move him. Waiting a few months could make the idea of sending some money with him easier for the front office to swallow as well, which would improve the prospect return.

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