The Toronto Blue Jays continue to dominant the offseason with their recent plethora of free agent signings, however, they have still yet to address the starting rotation. With the exception of Robbie Ray, the Jays have done little to bolster the rotation for 2021.
The brain trust has already thrown $184.5 million at free agents this offseason so that officially closes the book on any chance of Trevor Bauer signing in Toronto. Bauer would have instantly solidified the front of the Blue Jays rotation but he is going to cost someone an exorbitant amount of money.
As it currently stands, the rotation consists of Hyun Jin Ryu, Nate Pearson, Tanner Roark, Robbie Ray and presumably Anthony Kay or Ross Stripling in the fifth spot. In a perfect world, Roark never steps foot back into the rotation and takes over as the long reliever in the bullpen.
Pearson brings a ton of potential but his health and innings cap could be issues at some point throughout the season. The Pearson uncertainty coupled with the likes of Ray and whoever the fifth starter is doesn’t necessarily bode well for the success of the rotation.
Of course as I am authoring this piece, the Blue Jays have acquired pitcher Steven Matz from the New York Mets. He has struggled of late but will presumably slot into the rotation, here is hoping he is not the final piece and there is still a free agent or two to be had.
Here are three free agents still looking for work who could strengthen the Blue Jays rotation without costing an arm and a leg.