Blue Jays: What high impact player could they add?

An impact player can really help the Blue Jays take the next step

The Toronto Blue Jays made the playoffs for the first time in four years in which it was the first postseason appearance with the young core of the team. As we all know though, the Jays got swept by the Tampa Bay Rays in two games.

Going into the offseason, the Jays have some needs to address, specifically on the pitching front and maybe some depth pieces. In a virtual interview with reporters, Ross Atkins stated he’s open to adding a a “super high impact” player whether it be through trade or free agency.

As we saw during the season and the playoffs, the Jays are a good pitcher and perhaps a big bat away from being true World Series contenders. If the team can add those kinds of players, they would truly be breathing on the necks of the Rays, New York Yankees as well as other American League contenders. Here is who the Jays could target as their ”super high impact player.”

Trevor Bauer

Trevor Bauer is by all means the best pitcher on the free-agent market and will be sought after by every contending team. The very outspoken right-hander went 5-4 with a 1.73 E.R.A. in 11 starts that consisted of 73 innings pitched. He struck out 100 batters while only giving up 41 hits and is probably the favourite for the NL Cy Young award.

Throughout his whole career, he’s 75-64 with a 3.90 E.R.A. in 205 games (195 starts) with 1,279 strikeouts compared to 1,051 hits given up.

You’d think that a pitcher who did that well this season would seek a huge contract that will set him up for life but this isn’t the case for Bauer. He has mentioned that he’s only signing one-year deals to maximize his career earnings. A risky move but one that could pay off if he continues pitching well.

If Bauer were to sign with the Jays, he would immediately form a very good top of the rotation of himself and Hyun-Jin Ryu.