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Toronto Blue Jays: Potential third base options for the 2021 season

By Clayton Richer |
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning in Game Three of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 23, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning in Game Three of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 23, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 23: Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning in Game Three of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 23, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 23: Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning in Game Three of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 23, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to better the club for the upcoming 2021 campaign. The brain trust have already invested an MLB high $184.5 million on five free agent signings thus far this offseason.

Yesterday, Toronto signed free agent shortstop Marcus Semien which definitely muddies the infield complexion, however, it appears he is going to take over the every day second base responsibilities and fill in at shortstop from time to time when Bo Bichette needs a rest.

With Travis Shaw and Joe Panik no longer in the picture for the Blue Jays, it is just Biggio and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as the only remaining possible internal options. Even though Vladdy has third base aspirations, I do not see him being there on a regular basis in 2021.

So as it stands right now, Cavan Biggio will in all likelihood shift to the hot corner but that is not written in stone and It appears they value his ability to be a super utility type player getting reps all over the diamond.

Here are some viable third base options exploring the remaining free agents, possible trade scenarios and internal options including who is ready on the farm.

DETROIT, MI – JULY 30: Third baseman Maikel Franco #7 of the Kansas City Royals throws out C.J. Cron of the Detroit Tigers at first base during the sixth inning at Comerica Park on July 30, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. The Royals defeated the Tigers 5-3. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – JULY 30: Third baseman Maikel Franco #7 of the Kansas City Royals throws out C.J. Cron of the Detroit Tigers at first base during the sixth inning at Comerica Park on July 30, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. The Royals defeated the Tigers 5-3. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Third Base Free Agent Options

Justin Turner and Maikel Franco remain unsigned and both could be upgrades at third base. The Blue Jays have been attached to Justin Turner all offseason. However, it is rumoured that the 36-year old is seeking a four-year deal which seems a little rich for a guy on the backside of thirty.

A Turner signing seems a lot less likely today as it did yesterday before the signing of Marcus Semien. The World Series champion hit .307/.400/.460 with four homers in 42 games last season while earning a cool $20 million.

Franco spent last season with the Kansas City Royals after spending his first six seasons in the City of Brotherly Love. The 28-year old hit .278/.321/.457 with eight home runs in 60 games. The Royals opted to non-tender Franco after he earned $2.95 million in 2020, he was initially not poised to hit the open market until 2022.

The likes of Zack Cozart, Jake Lamb, Todd Frazier, Marwin Gonzalez and the aforementioned Shaw, Panik all remain unsigned with third base experience.

BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 17: Cavan Biggio #8 of the Toronto Blue Jays fields a ground ball during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 17, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 17: Cavan Biggio #8 of the Toronto Blue Jays fields a ground ball during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 17, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Internal Third Base Options

If the season were to start today, Cavan Biggio would be the Opening Day starter at third base much to the chagrin of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The signing of Semien shifts Biggio to the left side of the infield for the time being. The 25-year old played 10 games at third base last season making one error in 28 chances. He also has MLB time at all three outfield spots along with first and second base. Biggio probably isn’t going to win a Gold Glove anytime soon but he is an adequate defender who is more than willing to play anywhere to help the team win.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would love nothing more for a return to his natural position, however I am not sure many people share that same sentiment. Vladdy has lost a pile of weight this offseason in preparation for the move back to third base. However, the slugger didn’t do himself any favours defensively at third base during Winter Ball. It would appear that Vladdy and Rowdy Tellez will spell one another off at first base and designated hitter in 2021.

Semien has 50 career games at third base from his days with the White Sox in 2013-14 but it sounds like he is taking over second base.

Jordan Groshans is the only prospect who is near MLB ready after converting from shortstop to third base. Groshans will probably debut in 2022 unless he pushes the envelope but it sounds like he requires more seasoning in the minors. Austin Martin is also a third baseman/outfielder but he has yet to make his professional debut and is on a similar timeline to that of Groshans if he performs well in 2021.

KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 5: Third baseman Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on August 5, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 5: Third baseman Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on August 5, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Third Base Trade Options

There has been some chatter in recent weeks that the Blue Jays and Cubs could be a match for a possible Kris Bryant trade. The proposed deal makes sense for both sides as Chicago is poised for a rebuild and the Blue Jays are thin at third base.

The 29-year old is coming off a disastrous 2020 campaign and still owed $19.5 million before hitting free agency at the conclusion of the 2021 season. Bryant hit .206/.293/.351 with four homers in just 34 games last season.

The three-time All Star is a career .280/.380/.508 with 142 homers and a 24.3 WAR over six MLB seasons. Bryant would be an interesting addition especially if the Blue Jays could land pitcher Kyle Hendricks in the package, however, I am sure the prospect capital going back to Chicago would be steep.

Not sure if Jose Ramirez is in play but it wouldn’t surprise me if he was following the Francisco Lindor trade. Ramirez is owed just $9 million this season with two team friendly team options for 2022 & 23. It would take a hefty bounty that probably starts with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. but it may be something worth exploring. Can you imagine the damage that lineup would do?

The other third base blockbuster would involve Colorado and their franchise player Nolan Arenado. Again the asking price would be tremendously high coupled with a $199 million dollar salary over the next six seasons. The financial commitment may have been an easier sell prior to the George Springer signing.

Next. Blue Jays reach one-year deal with Marcus Semien. dark

Who do you think the Blue Jays will go with at the hot corner for 2021?

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