Three free agent infielders the Blue Jays could sign for bench depth

Heading into the 2022 season, the Blue Jays are a team that seems to have most of their ducks in a row when it comes to filling out a strong batting order. The outfield is set with the core four while the catching position has three capable players and a top prospect in the mix while a host of internal candidates are fighting for playing time at what will be a bit of an open area in terms of second and third base.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are entrenched at first base and shortstop respectively and with the recent departure of Marcus Semien, second base could be up for grabs while third base looks to be like Santiago Espinal’s to lose heading into Spring Training (barring a trade for outside resources of course).

Cavan Biggio, Kevin Smith, and Otto Lopez will all be fighting for playing time next year, with all three likely making the team and either taking the second base slot or ending up as bench depth heading into Opening Day. Biggio most likely has the inside track for the most playing time at second out of the current group but stranger things have happened, especially if the club doesn’t want to commit the lefty batter to a single position and keeps him as a true Ben Zobrist type utility player.

That being said, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Blue Jays dip their toes into the free-agent waters to find some veteran infield bench depth before Spring Training rolls around, whether players are brought in on minor league deals with ST invites or signed to Major League deals worth a low amount (once a new CBA is in place of course).

Brad Miller

A nine-year veteran of the Major Leagues, Brad Miller is one of the flashier names on the free-agent market when it comes to bench depth. No stranger to the AL East after spending three seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays earlier in his career, Miller is a lefty-batter who has experience at every infield position, primarily up the middle at second base and shortstop.

Looking at the Blue Jays overall roster, it would not be surprising if the front office brings in a veteran bench option for next season.

Miller spent last season with the Philadelphia Phillies and finished with a .774 OPS through 331 at-bats, spending most of the campaign at first base. He earned $3.5 million with the Phillies last season and should be hunting for a deal in the same area, which isn’t a bad value for some bench depth for a career .239/.317/.425 hitter with a .742 OPS and can play almost every infield position.

Jordy Mercer

A former third-round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2008, infielder Jordy Mercer is a free agent after a 2021 campaign that was marred by numerous injury stints. A full-time player with the Pirates earlier in his career, Mercer has seen his playing time reduced since leaving Pittsburgh and has been relegated to more of a bench role.

After quick stints with the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees in 2020, Mercer found himself in Washington for the 2021 campaign and would suit up in 46 games, earning a .254/.307/.364 with a .671 OPS through 118 at-bats. Staying healthy will be the biggest hurdle for the Oklahoma product but bringing him in on a minor league deal this offseason adds some competition for the Blue Jays open bench spots that is a low-risk in the long run for the club.

Donavan Solano

A product of Barranquilla, Columbia, Donovan Solano hits free agency after a productive season with the San Francisco Giants. Suiting up in 101 games, Solano slashed .280/.344/.404 with seven home runs and 31 RBI through 307 at-bats. Similar to Mercer, Solano hit the IL numerous times last season but was still able to put up a .748 OPS when the dust settled (and in quite a few more games). The righty batter is also one year removed from one of his best campaigns, posting a .828 OPS on his way to a Silver Slugger Award with the Giants.

Solano is primarily a second baseman, an area that could be up for grabs this season if the Blue Jays are looking to use Biggio in a utility role. Even if that turns out to not be the case, Solano could be an impact bat off the bench that has a dependable track record and provides a safety net if Biggio or Bichette end up on the IL.

The one drawback is he could be a pricer bench option after the somewhat solid campaign in the Bay Area in 2021, earning $3.25 million last year.