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Blue Jays: The best ways to take advantage of payroll crunches

By Chris Henderson

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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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Kyle Seager #15 of the Seattle Mariners throw off balance to first base throwing out Jake Lamb #4 of the Oakland Athletics in the bottom of the ninth inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 25, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Kyle Seager #15 of the Seattle Mariners throw off balance to first base throwing out Jake Lamb #4 of the Oakland Athletics in the bottom of the ninth inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 25, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

A solution for the hot corner

It’s expected that the Blue Jays will look to add at least one starting-calibre infielder to the fold over the winter, and with Cavan Biggio‘s flexibility, it could be a second or third baseman.

If the Blue Jays are looking for a solution at the hot corner, there may be one available from the Seattle Mariners in Kyle Seager. The 33 year old has been a fairly productive two-way player for many years, and he should be readily available this offseason. The Mariners are looking to rebuild, and the veteran is owed 18 million for next season, and an option for 15 million in 2022 that becomes guaranteed if he’s dealt. Knowing that, any acquiring team would be signing up for a two-year commitment.

I don’t know that I see Seager as an ideal fit, but he would bring several upsides to the table. He’s a solid defender, a power-hitting left-handed bat to balance things out, and he posted an encouraging .355 on-base percentage last season. Having said that, he feels like a slightly better version of Travis Shaw, and is that really worth 18 million for the upgrade?

My guess is Seager could be a Plan D type, after the Blue Jays have pursued other alternatives to fill their infield vacancy. I also assume that he’ll be available for a while, and that the Mariners could struggle to find a taker at all.

It sounds like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has designs on moving back to third base as well next season, and I’m sure the Blue Jays would be happy if that was an option. If they find themselves running short on options though, Seager is likely to be available for very little in return.