Blue Jays: Three free agent relievers the team could pursue this offseason

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 20: Taylor Rogers #25 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch against the New York Mets at American Family Field on September 20, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

Taylor Rogers – LHP

It’s no secret that the Blue Jays have a dearth of left-handed relief pitchers. Tim Mayza is really the only reliable one on the team, and you may remember, he struggled mightily when he entered Game 2 of the wild-card series.

Taylor Rogers is a veteran bounce-back candidate. He’s coming off the worst season of his career but will be motivated to prove he’s still got it. The lanky lefty started with San Diego last year and ended up on the Brewers in the trade that saw Josh Hader go the other way. He was also moved just before the start of the season, from Minnesota to San Diego along with Brent Rooker in exchange for Chris Paddack and Emilio Pagan.

He was moved twice in quick succession partly due to his pending free agency and because he’s considered a valuable commodity around the league.

Three free agent relievers the Blue Jays could pursue this offseason

Last season, Rogers made 66 appearances and went 4-8 with a 4.76 ERA between the two teams. He was named an All-Star in 2021 but his best season was in 2019 when he pitched to a 2.61 ERA over 69 innings with a 1.00 WHIP.

Over the last four seasons, Rogers has had a strikeout percentage of over 30%, well above the league average of 22.3% and he also has a career walk rate of just 6.1 percent, far below the MLB average of 8.5.

Rogers would give whoever’s in charge another viable left-handed option, and one that can avoid contact and pitch in the late-game situations. The Jays may be able to get Rogers on a value-deal, prove-it type of contract.

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