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There is actual Blue Jays news this morning.
The team has made some international signings. The big-name is Manuel Beltre, a 16-year-old shortstop from the Dominican Republic. He is getting $2.35 million. A “really advanced hitter” is the description everyone is going with. I guess the question is what does a 16-year-old do to be a really advanced hitter.
MLB.com says:
Where Beltre ultimately ends up playing as he makes his way through the Minor Leagues is to be determined. He has sure hands with good range and a quick transfer. He has plus-arm potential that suits him well at both shortstop and second base, where he has a chance to be an above-average defender.
Scouts also love his makeup, baseball IQ and dedication to the sport. He’s been praised for his work ethic and his game play abilities. He is an average runner.
And they signed a few others:
DR SS Manuel Beltre headlines #BlueJays international signings at $2.35m, per source. Described as "really, really advanced hitter." SS Luis Garcia, OF Yhoangel Aponte, C Jonathan Peguero, OF Yeuni Munoz also among signings. Have agreement pending physical with SS Martin Gimenez
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) January 15, 2021
It looks like DJ LeMahieu is signing with the Yankees. Not a surprise. Apparently, he will get $90 million over 6 years, which seems a fair bit less than what he told the Blue Jays he wanted.
The thing about taking 6 years is that he wouldn’t be coming onto the market again at age 36, when odds are very slim that someone would give him 2 years at $12 million a season. So the Jays offered more per year, but the Yankees deal is likely his last contract, or his last one getting more than $10 million a year.
I don’t think I would have wanted to sign him for 6 years.
Second baseman DJ LeMahieu and the New York Yankees are finalizing a six-year, $90M contract, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 15, 2021
LeMahieu’s return to New York always felt inevitable. It took a while. But he wanted to be there and Yankees get top free agent target.
Pat Ragazzo says that the Jays offered $78 million over 4 years. And Jon Heyman says the same.
Source: Dodgers offered LeMahieu 4/60. Blue jays offered him 4/78
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) January 15, 2021
Braves were interested. Mets were too.
Also being told he was very close to going to Toronto
So all eyes fall on George Springer and Trevor Bauer.
I wonder who goes to find these balls after he hits them. I’d imagine there are a lot of young kids happy to do it.
“I could hit a baseball over them mountains” - Vladdy, probably pic.twitter.com/tmwxSjmaWN
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) January 14, 2021