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

By Clayton Richer

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
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 /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) James Paxton #65 of the New York Yankees in action against the Minnesota Twins in game one of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 04, 2019 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Twins 10-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) James Paxton #65 of the New York Yankees in action against the Minnesota Twins in game one of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 04, 2019 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Twins 10-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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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