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We’ve got 12 days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, and, finally, the relief market is heating up. Here’s the news:
The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame announced their 2017 inductees yesterday morning, including Vladimir Guerrero and former Blue Jay Roy Halladay. Halladay, who will debut on the Cooperstown ballot in 2019, spent 12 of his 16 major league years with the Blue Jays. He was named to eight All-Star teams, won two Cy Young awards (2003 and 2010), and threw two no hitters in a single season.
Vladimir Guerrero, the Montreal Expos franchise leader in batting average, slugging percentage and home runs, came within 4.3% of a Cooperstown induction in 2017, and is practically guaranteed to jump above the required 75% within the next nine years.
Boone Logan, a left handed reliever that the Blue Jays had shown interest in, signed with the Cleveland Indians, per Ken Rosenthal. The deal, later noted to be $5.5M for one year with a $7M 2018 option, takes one of the last dominant relievers off of the market, leaving Jerry Blevins as perhaps the sole established lefty.
Given the size of his deal, one can expect a slightly larger contract for Blevins, who maintained an ERA slightly better than that of Logan.
Sources: #Indians in agreement with free-agent LHP Boone Logan, pending physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 2, 2017
Speaking of Jerry Blevins, Buster Olney reported yesterday that Blevins had at least one single year, $6M offer in hand, similar to that of Logan. Although the team extending that offer is currently unknown, could it be the Blue Jays? If not, would Toronto be willing to outbid a one year, $6M offer?
Sergio Romo, formerly of the Giants, is currently negotiating with teams - the Dodgers and an unknown club. Jon Heyman, listing the potential teams that could be interested in Romo, includes the Blue Jays.
There's mystery team besides dodgers on romo (via @Ken_Rosenthal ) hear nats have discussed; jays/mets/maybe rays make sense
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 3, 2017
Romo, at 33 years old, would be a welcome addition the Blue Jay bullpen. The righty’s 2.64 ERA in 40 games last season speaks for its self, although his 3.80 FIP may serve as a cause of concern. In 2015, Romo collected a 2.98 ERA with a 1.91 FIP. Either way, any bullpen acquisition, at this point in the offseason, is beneficial.