5 players the Blue Jays need to sign ASAP now that Cody Bellinger is off the market

Throughout the 2023-24 offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays had been looking to add some power bats to their lineup to enhance their offensive potential for the upcoming season. So far, they have managed to grab one solid, run-producing, everyday bat in veteran Justin Turner, but they shouldn’t just stop there. As the free agency market quickly began to ramp up, many prolific hitters were snatched up by other contending teams, including most recently perhaps the best free agent hitter still available at the time in former NL MVP Cody Bellinger.

With Bellinger now off the market, there are now just slim, yet still solid pickings that remain for the Jays to recruit. As a result, this is where the Jays need to act fast now before the market completely dries up. Let's take a look at 5 free agents that are still available that would fit the Jays’ ultimate goal of injecting some power and offense into their 2024 roster.

Robbie Grossman

As an MLB veteran of 11 years, outfielder Robbie Grossman would make for an intriguing addition for the Jays. Grossman is just three years removed from his career-best season back in 2021 with the Tigers when he set personal bests in runs scored (88), hits (133), home runs (23), RBI (67), walks (98), and total bases (231). However, he has regressed a bit the past couple of seasons, including in 2023 where he batted just .238 with a .734 OPS, 56 runs scored, 23 doubles, 10 home runs and 49 RBI in 115 games played.

The Blue Jays shouldn’t let that fact deter them in pursuing Grossman, because his role on the team would essentially be a platoon role with Daulton Varsho in the outfield given his extreme splits. Grossman is a career .282 hitter with an .808 OPS against left-handed pitching, compared to just .229 with a .692 OPS versus right-handed pitching. He could also see time in right field when George Springer needs an off day or the DH role on days Turner is given a rest day or plays in the field to keep his power bat in the lineup. As a result, Grossman would be a valuable option whenever the opposition sends a southpaw to the mound.

Adam Duvall

If the Jays really wanted to get a massive power hitter that could also play solid defense in all of the outfield positions when needed, there is no one remaining in the free agent market that is a better option than former All-Star Adam Duvall. Although his lifetime .232 batting average leaves a bit to be desired, no one can question his enormous power potential and run-producing ability. During his 10 years in the league, Duvall has hit more than 30 home runs three times, including a career-high 38 in 2021. In addition, he has also racked up more than 90 RBI three times, including a personal best 113 RBI during 2021 as well.

His offensive prowess may be his calling card, but his defense isn’t too shabby either as he took home Gold Glove honours just a few years ago. For his career as an outfielder, Duvall has accumulated a solid .984 fielding percentage with 52 outfield assists. In addition, he has registered a whopping total of 54 DRS, including multiple seasons of double-digit DRS over the years. As a result, he could effectively cover for any of the Jays’ current outfielders while still bringing his boom at the plate.

On top of that, Duvall was instrumental in helping the Braves' most recent run to the World Series in 2021 that ended with a trophy in-hand. He amassed 13 hits, 3 home runs, 10 RBI while scoring 4 runs in 16 playoff games. In addition, he was absolute money when hitting with runners in scoring position with two outs in 2023, as he registered a .283 average, .952 OPS with 4 home runs and 21 RBI in 46 at-bats, something the Jays desperately need given their consistent struggles last year in that regard.

J.D. Martinez

Perhaps the most consistent prolific hitter remaining in the free agent market, J.D. Martinez would instantly make the Jays an offensive juggernaut. After all, the 13-year veteran is a six-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner during his illustrious career. He has been consistently one of the top hitters in the league, with a career batting average of .287 and OPS of .874, while averaging close to 34 home runs and 107 RBI per season over a 162-game schedule pace.

More importantly, Martinez has shown that age is a not a factor that could slow him down. Even when hitting in a pitcher-friendly ballpark with the Dodgers last season, the now-36-year-old had a huge year by compiling a .271 average, .893 OPS, with 61 runs scored, 27 doubles, 33 home runs and 103 RBI in 113 games played.

Occupying the DH role for the past few seasons, Martinez is hardly viewed as an outfielder anymore. He could occasionally earn a spot start in one of the corners, but it may not be pretty. As a result, his inclusion to the roster would likely push Turner into a fielding position in order to fit both bats into the lineup. It could ultimately affect the Jays’ overall defense to some extent, but to have two proven potent hitters in the lineup joining the likes of Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and George Springer, their worries about offense should be a thing of the past for 2024.

Matt Chapman

Finally, if the Jays are seriously thinking about being legitimate contenders for the 2024 season, they should wake up and sign third baseman Matt Chapman. For those thinking the likes of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Cavan Biggio, Davis Schneider, Santiago Espinal, Eduardo Escobar and even Turner could be sufficient in replacing the departed Chapman in his position, they need to think again. There is no one that can make up for the tri-combo of power, run production, and elite defense of Chapman other than the man himself.

Yes, Chapman had a down season in 2023 after starting off with a strong April. But remember, we are talking about a star player who has consistently scored close to 90 runs, hit close to 30 home runs and drove in close to 80 runs on average per season. More importantly, at the same time, he was the prime master of run prevention at the hot corner, with a whopping total of 94 DRS over his seven-year career, along with his four Gold Glove awards to boot. So being able to contribute massively both in the field and at the plate is a huge difference maker for any team.

More noteworthy is the fact that the longer Chapman remains unsigned and the less players that remain in the free agent market, the more leverage the Jays have in working out a potential shorter-term value deal with perhaps the best well-rounded third baseman in baseball. In addition, he was a fan favourite during his time in Toronto, so who wouldn’t want to go back to the place where they are cherished, beloved and adorned? As a result, of all moves the Jays need to make, this one is certainly a no-brainer if the team wants to win anything.