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Every Single 2020 Free Agent the Blue Jays could be Interested in

By Reuben Gasee

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 29: General manager Ross Atkins of the Toronto Blue Jays poses with new manager Charlie Montoyo who was introduced to members of the media and president Mark Shapiro on October 29, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 29: General manager Ross Atkins of the Toronto Blue Jays poses with new manager Charlie Montoyo who was introduced to members of the media and president Mark Shapiro on October 29, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Oct 25, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Aaron Loup (15) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning during game five of the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Aaron Loup (15) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning during game five of the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Clippard

Tyler Clippard was a member of the Blue Jays in the 2018 season where he posted a 3.67 ERA over 73 games with one of them coming in a start as an opener. He struck out 85 batters while giving up 57 hits for an opponent average of .223 over 68.2 innings pitched. He also got 15 holds and notched seven saves in 13 chances.

In 2019, he played for Cleveland posting a 2.90 ERA over 53 appearances (three starts as opener), striking out 64 over 38 hits given up for an opponent average of .176 across 62 innings.

In the shortened 2020 season, he was an important part of the Twins bullpen appearing in 26 games and averaging a strikeout an inning with an opponent average of .202 as well as eight holds.

Even at the age of 35, he showed that he can be trusted upon to pitch in tight situations. The Blue Jays could seek a reunion with him in a set-up role.

Aaron Loup

Aaron Loup started his career with the Blue Jays when he first appeared in the majors in 2012 until he was traded at the 2018 trade deadline. He was traded to the Phillies which brought back Jacob Waguespack in return.

In six and-a-half seasons with the Blue Jays, he went 12-20 with a 3.47 ERA over 369 games which consisted 318.2 innings pitched. Loup did quite well at limiting the long ball in a Jays uniform as he allowed just 25 home runs.

In 24 games with the Rays this past season, he recorded a 2.52 ERA with an opponent average of .200 over 25 innings.

The Blue Jays could look to add Loup back to their bullpen as a sidearm lefty.

David Phelps

David Phelps signed a contract with the Blue Jays prior to the 2019 campaign but started the season on the injured list. He still managed to appear in 17 games posting 3.63 ERA.

He was traded to the Cubs at the trade deadline in exchange for Thomas Hatch.

He split the 2020 season with the Brewers and Phillies recording a 6.53 ERA over 22 games. He started off well with the Brewers but faltered when he was traded to the Phillies.

The Blue Jays could look to bring back Phelps as a middle reliever.

Jeremy Jeffress

Jeremy Jeffress pitched in only 13 games over the seasons of 2013 and 2014 for the Blue Jays where he combined to post a 3.29 ERA with 16 strikeouts and hits given up apiece over 13.2 frames.

Pitching for only $850,000 with the Cubs this past season, Jeffress went 4-1 posting a 1.54 ERA over 22 games with an opponent average of .137 in 23.1 innings pitched. He also saved eight games while blowing only two.

The Blue Jays could express interest in Jeffress to pitch in tight situations, but he will surely be looking for a raise of his $850,000 from last season.

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