Blue Jays: Strikeout type free agent relievers to pursue this offseason

Matt Strahm – LHP

Another left-hander the Blue Jays should keep an eye on in free agency is Matt Strahm, who spent last season with the Boston Red Sox after spending four seasons with the San Diego Padres.

The southpaw finished the year with a 3.83 ERA through 44.2 innings of work, touching the mid-90s with his fastball while mixing in four other pitches in his arsenal including a slider, curveball, sinker, and changeup. This solid pitch mix helped him rack up 52 strikeouts on the year, finishing the campaign with a 1.231 WHIP, a 10.5 K/9, and four saves.

In a free-agent class that is on the short end of solid left-handed relievers, Strahm produced a solid campaign that should generate some interest from teams across the league. The North Dakota product signed a $3 million contract with the Red Sox last offseason coming off an injury-filled year in 2021, so it would be understandable that he would be looking for a raise this season.

Adding another southpaw like Strahm has the potential to be a solid addition to the Blue Jays bullpen even if he doesn’t hit the high 90s with his fastball.