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Blue Jays: Players who could be traded once the lockout is over

By Tyson Shushkewich

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Alejandro Kirk #30 of the Toronto Blue Jays rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Baltimore Orioles during game two of a doubleheader at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 11, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Alejandro Kirk #30 of the Toronto Blue Jays rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Baltimore Orioles during game two of a doubleheader at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 11, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 30: Randal Grichuk #15 of the Toronto Blue Jays flies out in the third inning of their MLB game against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on September 30, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

Randal Grichuk

Outfielder Randal Grichuk is one of the only players on the Jays roster who was able to secure a long-term deal when the club was in rebuilding mode back in 2019. Grichuk currently has two years and roughly $20 million left on his deal and with the current outfield core a bit crowded with Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Teoscar Hernandez, and George Springer on the roster, there is a chance that the Texas product could find himself on the bench compared to being on the field.

Grichuk’s hot and cold play has also rubbed fans the wrong way as of late, with the righty batter struggling to find consistency at the plate. He started the 2021 season strong, especially with Springer on the IL, but eventually cooled off towards the end of the campaign, finishing with a .703 OPS and a .241 batting average. He does have some power, evident by the 22 home runs and 81 RBI he posted through 511 at-bats last year but with the outfield already crowded, dealing Grichuk and his remaining money owed would be a wise decision for the front office.

light. Related Story. Toronto Blue Jays: What role is left for Randal Grichuk?

His name was already floated in trade rumours prior to the lockout, with the Jays and Brewers discussing a deal that would have seen outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. head North of the border. The trade never materialized and Bradley Jr. was instead traded back to the Boston Red Sox prior to the lockout.

Dealing Grichuk will not be the easiest task for the Jays front office and it wouldn’t be surprising if the club has to include some cash to get a transaction done but having his salary off the books would go a long way as the club tries to improve the current roster for a playoff run. The one thing to consider with trading Grichuk is that it could present a rough scenario if injuries impact remaining outfielders this season, with Josh Palacios the only remaining candidate for the outfield after Grichuk.

Bringing back Corey Dickerson alleviates this problem but only time will tell if the front office can find a trade partner for the former St. Louis Cardinal.

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