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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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WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 13: Darren O’Day #56 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 13, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 13: Darren O’Day #56 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 13, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Darren O’Day

If Jose Bautista was still on the team, there’s a chance that Darren O’Day would not even consider signing with the Blue Jays. Back when O’Day was on the Orioles, him and Bautista often went at it with constant feuds and chirps.

After spending seven seasons with the Orioles, he was traded to the Braves at the 2018 deadline despite being injured at the time.

In 2020, O’Day was one of the hottest relievers in baseball despite going widely unnoticed across the media. In 19 appearances, he went 4-0 with a 1.10 ERA giving up just two earned runs all season. He also struck out 22 batters compared to only giving up just eight hits for a very good opponent average of .136 in 16.2 innings pitched.

Despite his great season, the Braves surprisingly declined his club option for the 2021 season at just $3.5 million.

In his career, he’s appeared 604 games which have come all out of the bullpen where’s gone 40-19 with 2.51 ERA with 600 strikeouts over 430 hits given up for an opponent average of .206 in 576.2 innings pitched. He also has 156 career holds to his name. In seven of 13 seasons in the big leagues, he’s posted an opponent average below .200 and in five separate seasons, he’s recorded an ERA below 2.00.

O’Day is 38 years old but he’s shown no signs of his age holding him back. The Blue Jays should explore bringing him to Toronto if he’s open to it.

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