Blue Jays: Former players still searching for new teams

There are still a plethora of former Toronto Blue Jays players sequestered in free agent purgatory in search of a new employer for the 2019 campaign.

Although the likes of Josh Donaldson, J.A. Happ, and Steve Pearce are all signed, sealed and delivered there are still many former fan favourites whose futures are not so certain.

Pitcher Marco Estrada is still available on the open market, however, there hasn’t been much chatter or rumours surrounding the hurler. Estrada spent four seasons north of the border but struggled once again in 2018 which certainly is hurting his stock. The 35-year old native of Mexico has also battled a wonky back for the previous two campaigns as well.

Veteran Curtis Granderson was dealt by the Blue Jays to the Milwaukee Brewers at the end of August last season and is currently still available. The 37-year old saw action in 123 games in 2018 and could still serve as a serviceable fourth outfielder for a team willing to take a chance on the consummate professional.

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Yangervis Solarte became a free agent after the Blue Jays cut ties with him to free up a roster spot at the end of November. The infielder is still without a team after earning $4.125 million last season with Toronto. Solarte’s lack of hustle and a disastrous second half could potentially hinder his free agent stock.

Reliever Tyler Clippard is still available and could be a good candidate to re-up with the Blue Jays if the overworked hurler doesn’t find a suitor soon. The 33-year old surprisingly survived the trade deadline firesale last season and posted a respectable 3.67 earned run average in 73 relief appearances.

Wait for it…….

Jose Bautista is still searching for a team to hit bombs for in 2019. The aging slugger split last season with the Braves, Mets, and Phillies hitting a combined .203/.348/.378 with 13 home runs in 122 games. Father Time is definitely catching up with Joey Bats but a team could still give him one last hurrah in 2019. The 38-year old played for the league minimum in 2018 so it would not take much of financial commitment to land the “Bat Flip King”.

Here are some other current free agents with former ties to the Blue Jays still searching for work: Aaron Loup, John Axford, Drew Hutchison, Joaquin Benoit, Melky Cabrera, Tim Collins, Jaime Garcia, Adeiny Hechavarria, Francisco Liriano, Drew Storen, Danny Valencia, and Jose Reyes.