4 Blue Jays players on the trade block after the Isiah Kiner-Falefa signing

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Assuming he's going to be handed a starting gig, the signing of Isiah Kiner-Falefa solidifies a position at third base for the Blue Jays. Previously, the spot was held by a Platinum Glove winner in Matt Chapman, but Jays fans will have to settle for a Gold Glover there for the next two years. IKF isn't getting signed to mash baseballs, but to fill an uncertainty at third base. While Toronto has many players that are certainly capable of handling themselves at the position, the need for continuity at the hot corner is at the top of the list for Toronto and it seems as though they've found their guy.

While IKF may not be the most well-rounded player Toronto could have found to man third base for them, he's certainly one with a talented track record and could bring stability to their lineup with solid play. IKF played seven positions at one point or another in 2023 for the New York Yankees, and he poses a real benefit for this Blue Jays team in search of continuity. In 2023 the Jays played around with many different players at third base, namely Matt Chapman, but Cavan Biggio, Santiago Espinal, and a few others got their shot at the hot corner, and the Jays needed to solidify that spot this offseason.

Although Kiner-Falefa can certainly slot somewhere else in the Jays' infield, it's likely that his value is highest at third base following the departure of Matt Chapman in free agency. There's little to be concerned about in IKF's game, despite his less-than-lethal offensive ability he makes up for it in the other aspects of his game. He also struck out a batter on the mound in 2023, so that's a bonus.

Cavan Biggio

Cavan Biggio has showed instances of prowess in his ability to man plenty of positions in and around the diamond with the Blue Jays, but the addition of IKF threatens his role as a utilityman. While Biggio's 2023 season leaves a lot to be desired, his second-half performance was one of nearly All-Star calibre. In the latter half of 2023, he slashed .272/.404/.765 and boasted a wRC+ of 124, which came in stark contrast to his abysmal start to the year. Throughout Biggio's tenure with the team, his role in Toronto's lineup has changed vastly from a star-studded second baseman prospect to a fringe infielder to his current multifaceted utility role.

Biggio could certainly fetch suitors on the trade market and could represent a fair amount of trade value in place of prospects the Jays may not be too keen on moving. If he can find himself on a roster where he can solidify his playing time over a longer stint than a platoon role, he'll likely find success with his talent. Biggio saw a lot of success at the hot corner over the last year or two, and if any teams are in dire need of a third baseman he'd certainly be a welcome sight.

Although Biggio's not the first name the Jays might look to move following the IKF signing, his role on this team is certainly under question. However, this move might prove fruitful for the 28-year-old Biggio and he might be able to hone in on his utility role with help from Kiner-Falefa, who has already won a Gold Glove at third base. Biggio's position on the Blue Jays, along with his relatively cheap arbitration value, should keep him on this team for at least the foreseeable future. That is, barring a return of his early 2023 self.

Santiago Espinal

Santiago Espinal's role on the Blue Jays over the last few seasons has been that of a situational player, in which he either filled in against left-handed pitching or as a late-game fielding replacement. As a whole, a solid fielder like Kiner-Falefa really diminishes Espinal's role on this team. According to Fangraphs, Espinal was a negative-value player in every facet of his game, which doesn't bode well for the 29-year-old.

In terms of trade value, Espinal could be part of a package deal to secure a bench bat or lefty reliever that the Blue Jays could find more value in. Espinal's true value as a player clearly isn't going to be realized in Toronto due to a lack of playing time, so it would suit him well to find a starting spot on a less successful team with a more shallow surplus of infielders.

Espinal brought the Jays many memorable moments on the defensive side of the ball and on the basepaths, but his bat left a lot to be desired and that ultimately will likely spell the end of his tenure with the Blue Jays. For Toronto, it might even make more sense to place Espy outright on waivers and hope another team picks him up. His days as a Blue Jay are unfortunately coming to an end.

Davis Schneider

Davis Schneider broke into the big leagues in style in 2023, boasting home run numbers that some have even compared with Babe Ruth. However exaggerated some of the comparisons may be, Schneider is the real deal and he's shown in his limited MLB experience that he's capable of handling himself on the big stage. Schneider's primary role is either at second base or DH, but the lineup spot that IKF will command is going to deplete his playing time that much more. He only managed to find himself in 35 games in 2023 due to the big-league veteran presences of Biggio, Espinal, Ernie Clement, and Brandon Belt taking up his potential playing spots.

While Schneider's only had a cup of tea at the big league level, his trade value is probably higher now than it might ever be. The flowering breakout prospect certainly commands a high amount of value, and Schneider's ability to hammer baseballs while playing a prime position at second base gives him a very useful skillset to any of the 29 MLB teams that might be looking for someone. That alongside his well-coiffed moustache makes him a prime trade chip going forward.

Schneider took MLB by storm in his first few weeks as a big leaguer, notably with his home run ability. Homers weren't necessarily a scarce thing for the Blue Jays in 2023, but they were certainly welcome from a prospect who previously hadn't been on many fans' radars. It can be expected that if the Blue Jays are indeed interested in shopping around Davis Schneider, it is more likely to happen this offseason than any other. He could help Toronto fetch high-value talent while simultaneously improving the team he joins, and it wouldn't be surprising to hear his name in headlines for years to come regardless of what happens.

Ernie Clement

Ernie Clement played a more subtle role in the success of the 2023 Toronto Blue Jays, as he showed a lot of talent from a minor-league call-up. Clement batted .380/.385/.885 in an abridged 52 plate appearances at the big league level in 2023, which provided plenty of support in the bottom third of the lineup when he got the odd start. While his 2023 rate state are unsustainable given the relatively small sample size, Clement has proven that he's not just a solid glove at shortstop but a force with the bat as well.

In Bo Bichette's absence due to injury, Clement stepped up and provided Toronto with plenty of playing time at a strong level that kept them in the playoff hunt down the stretch, and that shouldn't go unmentioned. While Clement is a bench player first and foremost on this team, his ability to step up for this team when they needed him undoubtedly leaves a good taste in Blue Jays fans' mouths. If the Jays are to move Clement, he would likely be part of a larger package for a star player, and he would certainly find more success with continued playing time.

It goes without saying, however, that Clement is part of the "Buffalo Boys" with teammates Schneider and Spencer Horwitz as they played exceptionally well through Triple-A Buffalo together and earned similar callups midway through the 2023 season. Needless to say, Clement would be missed by this fanbase more than one might expect but his 2023 breakout season leaves plenty of value on the table if he is to be moved this offseason.

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