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.

3) Austin Meadows

Austin Meadows is arguably the most intriguing, but also the biggest gamble of the five players on our list. He's extremely talented, but also comes with a significant risk attached to him.

More specifically, Meadows has been dealing with crippling anxiety issues. As a result of this, he has been limited to 42 combined games during his two seasons in Detroit.

The Tigers did everything they could to support the 28-year-old, with him stepping away from the organisation to seek help with his mental health. However, it was still understandably why they made the decision not to offer him a contract prior to the non-tender deadline.

In fairness to Meadows, he's had a lot to deal with in recent seasons. Aside from his anxiety issues, he's also tested positive for COVID-19, dealt with tendinitis in his Achillies and even a bout of vertigo.

Admittedly, we appreciate we're not doing much to sell the Atlanta, Georgia native so far, but there is plenty to like about him. Despite all his setbacks, his talent and athleticism still offer an excellent upside in the right situation.

This is still the same player who the Pirates saw enough in, to draft ninth overall in 2013. Similarly, this is still the same player who put it all together in 2019 with the Rays to earn his first All-Star selection, as well as MVP consideration.

During that 2019 campaign, Meadows produced a tremendous .291/.364/.558 slash line and .922 OPS, which were all career highs. And just in case you thought this type of offensive form was a one-off, he was also excellent for the Rays in 2021, with 27 home runs to go along with single-season highs of 106 RBI and 59 walks.

Defensively, Meadows can use his athleticism and fine throwing arm to play all three outfield positions but he's best suited for a corner spot. Overall, while there's plenty of uncertainty surrounding him, he's someone the Blue Jays should reach out to for discussions.

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.