An in-depth look at free agency predictions involving the Toronto Blue Jays

Raisel Iglesias

Prediction by: Anthony Franco at MLB Trade Rumours

One of the top relief pitchers on the market, Raisel Iglesias spent the first six seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Reds before being traded in the offseason to the Los Angeles Angels. He owns a 3.06 ERA and a 1.094 WHIP through 329 appearances over his career and has also earned 140 saves.

Iglesias would be a great addition to the Blue Jays bullpen but did get a qualifying offer from the Angels, with no clear indication as to whether he is considering signing the $18.4 million dollar offer. Losing a draft pick for the right-handed reliever would be a large pill to swallow but for the right price could cement a bullpen alongside Tim Mayza, Adam Cimber, Trevor Richards, and Jordan Romano. With the QO present, it makes things a bit more muddled.

With free agency now in progress, this article looks at all the different player predictions for the Blue Jays from analysts across the league.

Kenley Jansen

Prediction by: MLB Trade Rumours

After spending the past 12 years in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, closer Kenley Jansen heads to free agency and there is a possibility the right-hander heads elsewhere this offseason. Through 701 outings, Jansen sports a 2.37 ERA with 1022 strikeouts with 350 saves. While the Dominican product has been great throughout his career, the Dodgers reliever saw a hefty increase in his walk rate to 4.7 BB/9, the highest it has been since his rookie season.

Jansen will be one of the top relievers on the market alongside Iglesias and will have the added benefit of not being attached to a draft pick since he accepted the qualifying offer already once in his career. This could be a huge difference-maker as clubs are more likely to be in on the elite reliever.

While a Jansen to Jansen combo might be a great tandem in Toronto, unless the Blue Jays are willing to part with $12-15 million a season and potentially move Jordan Romano to a setup role, Jansen heading to the Jays is one that is really up in the air but could happen as the club tries to improve the bullpen. This is a big risk considering the walk rate was so high last season but if he can continue to pitch at or below a 3.00 ERA, the reward may outweigh the risk.