5 recently non-tendered players the Blue Jays need to sign ASAP

Nov. 17 was an important date for Major League teams, as it was the deadline to decide whether to tender contracts to salary arbitration-eligible players. For the Blue Jays specifically, the only player who was non-tendered was Adam Cimber.

The Blue Jays have plenty to do, in order to improve the team and become what could be considered a legitimate contender for the World Series. Even allowing for make the playoffs in three of the past four seasons, they haven't had what it takes when it matters most.

As much as it might not be the best way to strengthen the roster, looking at players on the non-tendered list is still a viable option. Here is our countdown of five players the Blue Jays should seriously consider signing:

5) Juan Yepez

We begin with Juan Yepez, who is a different proposition to the other players on our list. That's because he's not yet arbitration eligible, while still also having a minor league option available.

Originally the most expensive signing of the Braves' 2014 international free agent class, Yepez was traded to the Cardinals three years later. From there, he worked his way up through the ranks and made his Major League debut in 2022.

The 25-year-old would go on to make an immediate impression for the Cardinals, as he swiftly adapted to the demands of the Majors. Most impressive of all in his 76 games, were a .742 OPS and 109 OPS+.

Unfortunately for everyone concerned, Yepez took a significant step back in 2023. He struggled at the plate with his bat and was limited to 28 games, contributing to the Cardinals' decision to non-tender him.

The Venezuela native still projects well offensively with his power hitting, no matter what issues he had this past season. He is still someone to work with in the minors, to help him ultimately fulfil the promise he showed in the Majors during 2022.

Admittedly, Yepez has certain defensive limitations which might see him better-suited as a DH in the long term. However, he's an enticing option for the Blue Jays to consider.

4) Mike Ford

When Mike Ford first played in the Majors in 2019, he made an immediate positive impression. Appearing in 50 games for the Yankees, he produced a .259/.350/.559 slash line, .909 OPS and 137 OPS+.

This tied into the more pure and feel good side of professional sports, as Ford had gone undrafted in 2012 before signing for the Yankees. However, he was unable to build on this promising rookie season and was eventually traded to the Rays in 2021.

This started a period where the 31-year-old moved teams more frequently than some people have hot dinners. The merry-go-round finally calmed down (to a certain extent) when he signed with the Mariners organisation for a third time, in January this year.

Ford excelled in Triple-A Tacoma and exercised the opt-out clause in his contract at the beginning of June, then joined the Mariners roster. He went on to appear in his most ever games at the Major League level.

The left-handed bat had single-season bests, with 16 home runs, 34 RBI and 24 walks. He also had a .228/.323/.475 slash line, .798 OPS and 122 OPS+, which were all the best since his rookie year.

Ford saw most of his playing time as a DH, as he revitalised a position which had struggled for the Mariners in 2023 up to that point. He did also spend some time at first base, which was his position growing up. (He can also pitch in an emergency situation.)

The Belle Mead, New Jersey native does offer some upside for the right team. He is renowned as a patient hitter, although he still doesn't make contact on a consistent enough basis with the bat.

In terms of getting some idea of the financial expectations with Ford, his contract was worth one year and $720K this past season. He was projected to get around $1.5 million in 2024, which is reasonable enough if the Blue Jays want to make a move for him.

2) Nick Senzel

If we're talking pure talent, then Nick Senzel is right up there. He is a superior athlete and talent, who has the intangible of versatility.

So what's the problem for a player who still has an intriguing upside? Well, Senzel has just never been able to fulfil the expectations of being a second overall draft pick, not helped by different injury issues. (A common theme in this list.)

You can make an argument that this past season was the best yet of the Atlanta, Georgia native's five years in the Majors. However, as much as he had single season bests of 13 home runs and 42 RBI, this, combined with his .236/.297/.399 slash line and .696 OPS, still indicate a player who's capable of so much more.

It should be noted that Senzel does enjoy particular success against lefties, as per his career .287/.334/.460 slash line. This was particularly the case this past season with his best year yet versus southpaws, as evidenced by a .347/.389/.619 slash line, along with a 1.008 OPS.

As mentioned, the 28-year-old's athleticism (and excellent throwing arm) allows him to offer versatility on defence. In 2023, he saw playing time at all three outfield spots as well as second and third base.

In terms of the financial side of things, Senzel had a deal worth $1.95 million during this past season. He would have received around $3 million if the Reds had tendered him, which is well within the Blue Jays' range if interested.

Of course there is the question of why the Reds would not want to keep the right-handed bat around, given his superior upside. However, the team has a lot of young talent coming through the ranks, plus sometimes it just gets to a point where a player needs to start over.

Admittedly there does often come a critical juncture where a lot of professional players with an excellent ceiling, turn into someone who will never fulfil potential (for whatever reason). However, we're not quite at this point yet with Senzel, and the Blue Jays really should give him some serious consideration.

1) Brandon Woodruff

Most baseball fans won't be surprised to see Brandon Woodruff at the top of our list of five players the Blue Jays should pursue. He is generally accepted as the best available player of everyone non-tendered.

Woodruff is expecting to miss most of the 2024 campaign, after undergoing right shoulder surgery to repair his anterior capsule. It was just part of an injury-filled 2023, which compromised what could have been a outstanding season.

When the two-time All-Star was healthy, he was on course for the best season of his seven years in the Majors. He set career-bests with a 2.28 ERA, 189 ERA+, 5.9 percent walk rate and 0.821 WHIP.

In general, Woodruff has been excellent for the majority of his time in the Majors, with a 46-26 record in 115 starts and 130 overall games. Along the way, he has produced a 3.10 ERA, 137 ERA+, 3.19 FIP and 1.045 WHIP.

Pending his ability to remain healthy in the future, the 30-year-old has a fine pitching arsenal and can still improve. He could make what is already an excellent Blue Jays rotation even better in the future, especially when considering the questions marks surrounding Yusei Kikuchi and more so Alek Monoah.

Woodruff had a contract worth $10.8 million this past season and is projected to get around $11.6 million with his next deal. This would be excellent value -- again pending his health -- at essentially half of what Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt will get next year.

Alluding to Woodruff's opinion of his worth, consider a recent report in respect of negotiations he had with the Brewers. As per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, he was apparently offered a two-year deal, but talks eventually broke off.

There seems little doubt the Blue Jays would be able to afford whatever the 2011 fifth round draft pick wants, within reason of course given his health issues. They should definitely make a play for him, although you would anticipate a lot of competition for his services.