Blue Jays: Three great ways to cap off an exciting roster

Throw all the chips down on Bauer

Despite the fact that the Blue Jays just handed the richest free agent contract in franchise history to George Springer, they have the payroll space to top it and sign Trevor Bauer too.

Do I think that’s going to happen? No, I really don’t. That said, it’s a fun idea to think about, and it’s not out of the realm of possibility at all. Bauer has publicly mentioned chatting with the Blue Jays, and they have the money and the motive to sign the 2020 NL Cy Young winner.

That said, he’s going to be tremendously expensive. It’s been broadly floated around that he’d like to receive the highest AAV (annual average value) for a pitcher. That record currently belongs to Gerrit Cole who makes a whopping 36 million per season after signing with the Yankees last winter. So, to keep things simple, let’s say it takes 37 million to secure his services.

That would give them a much better looking rotation:

1- Bauer
2- Hyun Jin Ryu
3- Nate Pearson
4- Robbie Ray
5- Tanner Roark
6*- Ross Stripling

They’d have their pair of aces in Bauer and Ryu, and Pearson has the talent the chance to be a third at some point. They’d be a scary team to come up against in the playoffs.

However, it would leave them still in need of a third baseman, and arguably a bit more bullpen help. With just 10 million, maybe the Blue Jays would actually give Vlad Jr. a shot to return to third base, and sign a solid utility player to help out if it went sour. Maybe you could sign Tommy LaStella for two years and 14 million, and take some gambles on the bullpen.

On paper I love the idea, but there are a lot of variables that would go into signing Bauer. Personally, I don’t think it’s going to happen, nor do I think it’s the best idea.