Blue Jays rumours: Top 5 non-tender candidates to watch this week

2- Probably not available, however…

Near the end of this list are a couple of players that I don’t really expect will be non-tendered. However, because they were on MLBtraderumors’ list, and/or could be acquired in a trade at a reasonable cost, I think it’s worth examining. With that in mind, let’s have a look at the situation with Tommy Pham.

The veteran outfielder is best-suited in a corner these days, as he’s spent the last couple of seasons in left field. At 32, and two years removed from his last regular time spent in centre field, it may not be an option anymore. However, his offensive production could be significant enough that playing in a corner is just fine.

Going back to his last full season in 2019, Pham slashed .273/.369/.450 with 21 home runs, 33 doubles, and 68 RBI in 145 games. He battled injuries in his first year with the Padres, and disappointed with a .211/.312/.312 line in 31 games last year, but oddly enough that’s the least of his problems.

One of the reasons it’s believed he could be non-tendered is he’s still recovering from a stab wound he suffered outside of a night club in October. Thankfully he didn’t sustain life-threatening injuries, but he did have to have surgery after the incident, and he’s now reportedly suing the establishment that he was visiting at the time.

Spotrac.com has him slated for about eight million, just a tiny raise from the 7.9 million he was scheduled to make prior to the pandemic shortening the season. My guess is the Padres will retain him, but if there’s a cheap opportunity for the Blue Jays, it’s another one worth keeping an eye on.