Friday Bantering: Scott Feldman, Roberto Osuna

More rumours. Any day now, we’ll have some relief news. Or so I hope.

• Scott Feldman, who pitched 15 innings for the Blue Jays last season following an early August trade, is headed to Cinncinati, per multiple reports. The right hander signed a one year, $2.3M deal with the Reds. His limited use out of the bullpen in 2016 was disappointing, but understandable, given his 8.40 ERA and 1.933 WHIP with the Blue Jays. Feldman may compete for a starting role with the Reds in 2017.
• Roberto Osuna won the award for Mexican athlete of the year for 2016, as the Blue Jays announced on social media last night. Osuna, still only 21-years-old, is entering his third major league season, all with the Blue Jays. In 2016, he pitched 74 innings, amassing a 2.68 ERA, slightly higher than that of 2015.
• Ken Rosenthal wrote yesterday that the relief market is “heating up,” noting that the Blue Jays are searching for two relievers (both a lefty and righty). Rosenthal states that Toronto is unlikely to acquire a big-name reliever such as Jerry Blevins or Boone Logan, as they will command contracts upwards of $12M, beyond the Blue Jays’ budget. With less than 30 days remaining until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, expect these players to sign soon.
• How early is too early? Today. Greg Wisniewski wrote a piece for Baseball Prospectus on extending Josh Donaldson, making the case that the Blue Jays’ lock Donaldson up before he hits free agency in 2019. Personally, I think Toronto should aim to extend Donaldson, but realize that other talent may be a more viable investment for them. We don’t want another Vernon Wells.