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Blue Jays: Beyond Bauer- Top five rotation options remaining

By Chris Henderson

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 05: Manager Charlie Montoyo #25 of the Toronto Blue Jays walks off the field after visiting the mound during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indian at Progressive Field on April 05, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 05: Manager Charlie Montoyo #25 of the Toronto Blue Jays walks off the field after visiting the mound during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indian at Progressive Field on April 05, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 18: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) James Paxton #65 of the New York Yankees in action against the Houston Astros in game five of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 18, 2019 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Astros 4-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Yeah, I’m going to say it again

I’ve been beating this drum for a while now, but I’m going to include it here one more time and then I’ll drop it. I think the Blue Jays can, and should sign a pair of ex-Yankees in Masahiro Tanaka and James Paxton.

As for predicted salaries, Tanaka is said to be seeking a one-year deal in the 15-20 million range, and that’s not going to come from the Yankees unless they disregard the luxury tax threshold, which doesn’t seem likely. It makes all the sense in the world to me, even if it’s for closer to 20 million. The Jays have the available payroll space, and a commitment of just one year works really well as a low-risk move.

As for Paxton, his predicted deal is for one year and 10 million. As I said about Tanaka, I love the idea of a one-year deal for a potential high-end option. It buys more time for development for young arms like Nate Pearson, Simeon Woods Richardson, Alek Manoah, and more. As much a the Blue Jays are looking outside the organization for rotation help, they may have answers coming. They’re just not quite ready yet.

I’m not sure Paxton will get that much, but even if he does and Tanaka reaches the top of his ask at 20 million, the Blue Jays can afford them both without a problem. It would give them an experienced trio at the top, and if they can all stay healthy, one that would give them a solid chance in a playoff series.

I’ll drop it now, but one last time, I am very much in favour of this idea.

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