How are members of the 2023 Blue Jays doing on their new teams? (May update)

Mason McCoy

When the Jays managed to recoup an asset after designating Thornton for assignment, it came in the form of infielder Mason McCoy from the Mariners. But more surprisingly was the fact that he actually saw some playing time down the stretch for the Jays, as he appeared in six games, but mainly as a defensive replacement. He was not retained by Toronto at the conclusion of the 2023 season and was picked up by the San Diego Padres on a minor league deal during free agency.

For 2024, McCoy hasn’t seen any MLB time as of yet as he has spent all of his time with the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate El Paso Chihuahuas to start the season. In 39 total games of action, he has posted a solid .252 average with a .681 OPS with 19 runs scored, 5 doubles, 3 home runs, 22 RBI and 7 stolen bases.

Whit Merrifield

After having a huge bounce-back year with the Jays in 2023, Merrifield was looking to continue to make strong contributions as part of a winning team for the upcoming season. His pursuit included the possibility of returning to the Jays for another run. But when talks failed to materialize between the two parties as it was later revealed that Jays’ GM Ross Atkins was intending to be a big player in free agency instead, Merrifield diverted to signing on with the formidable Philadelphia Phillies team for 2024.

However, he has been a huge disappointment to date. In addition to not getting the expected playing time that he thought he would get, Merrifield has also struggled mightily at the plate this season as a result. In the 25 games he has played, he has batted only .188 with a .552 OPS and 59 OPS+, which are his worst marks to date in his career. On top of that, he has only registered 3 doubles, a couple of home runs, 4 RBI and 4 stolen bases in 94 plate appearances. Not exactly the prized acquisition that the Phillies had in mind when they signed the super utilityman.