Blue Jays: Three free agent arms who could solidify the rotation

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TORONTO, ON – MAY 8: James Paxton #65 of the Seattle Mariners picks up the baseball off the turf before beginning to pitch the second inning with his maple leaf tattoo on his right forearm during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** James Paxton /

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.

Jake Odorizzi

The Blue Jays have had their eye on Jake Odorizzi as far back as last season when the hurler opted to accept the Twins qualifying offer. It was rumoured that the Jays had made an offer to Odorizzi prior to him accepting the qualifying offer.

The 30-year old struggled last season missing time with a chest contusion and blister issues. The right-hander made just four starts surrendering 10 runs in 13.2 innings of work. In 2019, Odorizzi went 15-7 with a 3.51 earned run average with a 10.1 SO/9 rate and a 3.6 WAR in 30 starts for Minnesota.

In nine MLB seasons with the Royals, Rays and Twins the right-hander sports a 62-56 record with a 3.92 earned run average and a 8.6 SO/9 rate along with a 12.5 WAR in 195 games. Odorizzi was also managed by Charlie Montoyo in Triple-A and then again when Montoyo was the bench coach in Tampa.

Earlier this offseason it was speculated that Odorizzi was seeking a three-year deal in the neighborhood of $36-$42 million. The Jays could backload a possible multi-year pact with Odorizzi seeing they have a huge surplus coming off the books next season with only under $70 million in committed salary for 2022.

The Jays desperately need a legit starter to pitch behind Ryu that isn’t a reclamation project, Odorizzi just may check off that box.

Taijuan Walker

The offseason chatter surrounding Taijuan Walker has been surprisingly non existent among potential suitors. Walker is surely to benefit from a weak free agent pitching class and is presumably waiting for Trevor Bauer to come off the board before he gets a true gauge of his value on the open market.

For me, a healthy Walker brings a ton of potential to the table and seems to have barely scratched the surface following his cup of coffee with the Blue Jays last season. The 28-year old was finally healthy and the results transcended into his 2020 stat line.

In 11 starts with the Mariners and Blue Jays, Walker went 4-3 with a 2.70 earned run average while fanning 50 in 53.1 innings. The right-hander was lights out following his trade to Toronto in late August posting an impressive 1.37 earned run average in six starts. Walker allowed just four earned runs in 26.1 innings of work in a Toronto uniform.

Walker earned a modest $2 million last season and will undoubtedly multiply that number ten-fold. I would be all for the Blue Jays offering Walker a two-year/ $24 million dollar deal to return to the Blue Jays.

Walker has spoken publicly a few times about his time in Toronto and just how impressed he was with the organization, fans and pitching coach Pete Walker. It doesn’t seem like it will be a tough sell for the Blue Jays if they are willing to throw a competitive offer in his direction.

James Paxton

The Blue Jays have been linked to Canadian hurler James Paxton in recent weeks and even attended his open showcase where it was said Paxton was touching 94 mph on the radar gun with his fastball. The 32-year old struggled with injuries last season making just five starts for the Yankees. When healthy, Paxton has the potential to be a difference maker near the front end of the rotation and a perfect compliment to Hyun Jin Ryu.

In five starts last season, Paxton posted an inflated 6.64 earned run average before hitting the injured reserve. In 2019, the hurler was much more effective going 15-6 with a 3.82 earned run average and a 2.4 WAR for the Yanks.

Paxton earned $12.5 million last season and is probably headed for a lower base salary with performance incentives built into the contract. Paxton could also settle on a one-year pact to rebuild his stock before trying his luck again in 2022. Undoubtedly, agent Scott Boras will structure something creative for Paxton to reap the rewards of his labour.

Myself personally, I would rather have seen the $5.2 million that is now earmarked for Steven Matz go toward signing Paxton.

Still Unsigned Honourable Mentions:

Rich Hill, Mike Foltynewicz, Chris Archer, Julio Teheran, and Matt Shoemaker.

Next. Blue Jays: Potential third base options for the 2021 season. dark

Who would you like to see the Blue Jays sign to round out the rotation, chime in the comments below?

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