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

Andrew Chafin – LHP

After signing a one-year deal with a player option for 2023 with the Detroit Tigers last offseason, southpaw Andrew Chafin is going to head to free agency after a solid year in the bullpen. The left-hander amassed a 2.83 ERA and a 1.169 WHIP through 57.1 innings with the Tigers last year while striking out 67 batters and walking 19.

Commanding a three-pitch arsenal that includes a low 90’s sinker and fastball with a slider that 40.7 inches of drop, Chafin produced an 89th percentile chase rate as well as an 87 percentile whiff%, limiting opposing batters to a .222 batting average and a .619 OPS.

Considering Chafin has already announced that he will be declining his player option, he will likely become one of the top left-handers available for the bullpen this offseason, joining the likes of Taylor Rogers, Will Smith (club option), Matt Strahm, and Brad Hand.

The left-hander could be a valuable asset for the Blue Jays considering the club only has Tim Mayza heading into 2023 but there could be a bidding war for his services given the lack of LHP options this offseason.

Considering it appears Chafin is likely looking for more than the $6.5 million he declined with the Tigers with his player option, it will be interesting to see where his value ends up being and whether the Blue Jays will be willing to go that high for his services.