3 bargain-bin free agents the Blue Jays should consider

Spring training is here, and the Toronto Blue Jays’ roster puzzle is beginning to come together. Andrés Giménez was brought in to lock down second base. Max Scherzer was brought in to be an anchor in the rotation. The ninth inning is Jeff Hoffman’s.

But that security doesn’t mean that Blue Jays should be done making moves on the margins. While a move for Alex Bregman would obviously change the complexion of the Blue Jays’ roster, there are still some ways Toronto can add on the margins in an attempt to improve the MLB roster.

With all that in mind, here are three bargain-bin free agents who the Blue Jays should consider signing.

Three free agents who could improve the Blue Jays on the margins 

James McCann, catcher

The Blue Jays are entering spring with Alejandro Kirk and Tyler Heineman as the only two catchers on the 40-man roster, so it’s clear this is a position that could use some upgrading. Even with Christian Bethancourt lingered as a non-40 man option, it would make sense for the Blue Jays to consider signing McCann. 

A one-time All-Star, McCann has played in at least 60 games in the past nine 162-game seasons, and was teammates with Scherzer on the Tigers. In fact, he did a radio interview with MLB Network in January after Scherzer signed with Toronto and called the pitcher “the ultimate competitor.” 

While McCann’s defense is a bit lacking (-5 framing runs in 2024 compared to Heineman’s 0), there’s still some pop in his bat (he would have been in the 90th percentile in sweet-spot rate) and is a good clubhouse fit.

He’s also tough as nails. 

McCann would be a worthwhile addition to the Blue Jays’ roster.

Jose Iglesias, infielder

A year after hitting .337 and helping lead the Mets to the NLCS, Iglesias is available for any team that wants him. 

The biggest plus for Iglesias is his positional versatility, as he’s played at second, third and short throughout his MLB career.

The Jays seem content to open the season with Ernie Clement as their starting third baseman, but Iglesias would be a good insurance policy/backup option who could move all around the infield if needed.

Iglesias, who was reportedly offered a one-year contract already from the Mets, was initially seeking a multi-year contract but now appears to be content with a one-year contract.

While bringing in Iglesias would make it tougher for Leo Jiménez and/or Will Wagner to make the Blue Jays’ opening day roster, Iglesias has the skills and track record to make it worth considering.

Lance Lynn, pitcher

Lynn has already said that he’s interested in pitching out of the bullpen, so why not bring him in to improve the back of Toronto's 'pen?

He might not get the same chances to close as we would with other teams due to the presence of Hoffman, Chad Green and Yimi García, but he said that week that he wants to go to a place where he can compete, and Toronto could be that place.

Lynn’s a workhorse (115+ innings in every 162-game season since 2012) who is the ultimate competitor, and would provide an immediate spark to the Jays’ bullpen along with also being an insurance option for the rotation.

The Blue Jays will likely already need to add a reliever or two to the 40-man roster to flesh out the bullpen, so why not take a chance to see if Lynn can be one of those guys?