Blue Jays reportedly showing interest in Jake Odorizzi

The Toronto Blue Jays are reputedly among the teams still showing interest in free agent pitcher Jake Odorizzi. According to Jon Heyman of the MLB Network, the Blue Jays may be circling back for another look at the free agent hurler.

The starting roation was a topic of discussion for much of the offseason as the team added only Robbie Ray and Steven Matz to the supporting cast that was already in place. However, the recent groin strain to Nate Pearson may have the Blue Jays second guessing their decision to stand pat.

Odorizzi has not waivered on his asking price and is reportedly seeking a three-year deal in the neighborhood of $36 million for the tenure of the contract. He earned $17.8 million last season in his final year with Minnesota.

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The Jays have been linked to Odorizzi as far back as last season when the team was rumoured to have made the right-hander an offer before he accepted the Twins qualifying offer. The 30-year old also has a past relationship with skipper Charlie Montoyo from his days in Tampa Bay so there is no telling if that would come into play.

There is no indication of the degree of interest in the hurler but it sounds like a few teams have sparked up conversations with Odorizzi including the Astros among others. Odorizzi made just four appearances last season due to injuries surrendering 10 earned runs in 13.2 innings of work.

However, his 2019 stat line could be what is interesting prospective teams, in 30 starts, he went 15-7 with a respectable 3.51 earned run average and a 3.6 WAR in 159 innings.

The Blue Jays have a ton of young depth but very few tried and tested arms they can rely on every five days. If healthy, Odorizzi could provide that security but at what cost.

Will the brain trust be willing to sign a three-year pact at this stage of the game, highly unlikely if I am a betting man. Probably, just due diligence but who knows.