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Toronto Blue Jays pending UFA’s: Re-sign or pass

By Reuben Gasee

TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 4: President Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins pose for a photo after speaking to the media as Atkins is introduced as the new general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays during a press conference on December 4, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 4: President Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins pose for a photo after speaking to the media as Atkins is introduced as the new general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays during a press conference on December 4, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 23: Ken Giles #51 of the Toronto Blue Jays wears a hoodie as he goes to the outfield to warm up during batting practice before the start of MLB game action against the San Francisco Giants Rogers Centre on April 23, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 23: Ken Giles #51 of the Toronto Blue Jays wears a hoodie as he goes to the outfield to warm up during batting practice before the start of MLB game action against the San Francisco Giants Rogers Centre on April 23, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Ken Giles

Ken Giles stats should be ignored this season as he only lasted four games due to a lingering elbow issue that stems back from the 2019 season. Unfortunately, though, they count towards his career stats.

In four games this year, he posted a 9.82 E.R.A. with a save and only lasted 3.2 innings. What should be looked at is his 2019 stats.

In 2019, he pitched in 53 games and innings where he posted a 1.87 E.R.A. converting all but one save (23 for 24) with 83 strikeouts compared to 36 hits given up for an opponent average of .188.

Ever since he came over to the Blue Jays from the 2017 trade deadline which saw Roberto Osuna go the other way to Houston, Giles has appeared in 78 games posting a 2.83 E.R.A. in 76.1 innings pitched with 111 strikeouts and 38 saves. He’s been pretty dominant since he came north of the border.

So, should the Blue Jays re-sign or pass on Giles?

Verdict: Pass 

Unfortunately, Giles elbow woes resulted in him getting Tommy John surgery which he has already undergone. This will keep him on the sidelines for the entire 2021 season and probably at least half of 2022 as Tommy John surgery takes a long road to recovery.

As the Blue Jays are looking to contend, taking on Giles to sit out a year-and-a-half simply makes no sense. He should be able to land a two-year deal from some team though that will be in need of bullpen help. That team would most likely be a team that’s a year or two away from contending.

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