Gregor Chisholm: What I’m hearing about Blue Jays trades and signing targets, Vlad’s vision and Berrios’ health - Toronto Star
Toronto searching for upgrades in rotation and bullpen, with a few familiar names involved in trade chatter.
Unless pitcher Shane Bieber is willing to accept a low-guarantee, incentive-laden deal, he likely will not be a fit with the Toronto Blue Jays next season.
Gregor Chisholm is a Toronto-based baseball columnist for the Star. Follow him on X: @GregorChisholm or reach him via email: gchisholm@thestar.ca.
LAS VEGAS—Shane Bieber has made no secret of his desire to return to the Blue Jays, but if that were to happen it would have to be on the club’s terms, not his.
After an injury-plagued season limited Bieber to 11 outings, the Jays are believed to be aiming higher and searching for more certainty from their top group of starters.
The Jays remain interested in Bieber, just not at nearly the same level as before. Unless Bieber is willing to accept a low-guarantee, incentive-based salary that improves depth, he likely won’t be a fit.
Max Scherzer accepted one of those deals earlier this spring. He’s once again a free agent and will likely be looking to sign something similar again next year, whether it’s with the Jays or someone else.
“If you saw Scherzer’s last game, you’d understand he’s far from Maxed out,” agent Scott Boras said while referencing Scherzer’s seven innings of one-run ball in his season finale against the Cincinnati Reds.
Most of the trade speculation involving the Jays this week was focused on who they might add, but inquiries were made about players they might subtract too.
A source indicated that multiple teams have reached out to the Jays about the asking price for infielder/outfielder Davis Schneider. There also has been some interest in outfielder Nathan Lukes while just about every team would love to get their hands on promising catcher Brandon Valenzuela.
The Jays are unlikely to move Valenzuela unless they’re blown away by an offer. Schneider and Lukes are more readily available, especially considering the Jays are expected to add another outfielder at some point this winter.
Neither Schneider nor Lukes would fetch a large return, but they could be used to add another reliever or additional depth at the upper levels of the Jays’ system.
The Jays haven’t ruled out the possibility of adding a reliever or two through free agency, but it appears to be low on the club’s list of priorities. While top free agent Adrian Morejon would be a perfect fit, his market is expected to explode and the Jays are not going to get involved in an intense bidding war.
It’s possible the Jays won’t do much with their bullpen aside from minor-league deals. They are comfortable with using Mason Fluharty, Brendon Little and Brendan Cellucci from the left side, while Tyler Rogers and Braydon Fisher remain the top righties in front of closer Louis Varland.
Spencer Miles offers protection as either a starter or reliever. Miles has minor-league options remaining, but after posting a 2.73 ERA in 95 ⅔ innings this season, he’s going to be on the 26-man roster next year. The only unknown is which role it will be in.
“He did an incredible job of managing a workload, managing the highest level of competition,” Jays general manager Ross Atkins said of Miles, who spent time as a starter and reliever. “I think what we will look to do is have less volatility and less changes to what he’s doing.”
There had been some recent speculation that utility infielder Josh Smith might be non-tendered later this month. Based on conversations at this year’s GM meetings, that appears unlikely.
Smith is projected to earn $3.7 million (U.S.) through arbitration and the Jays value his versatility. If the Jays eventually add another infielder like Jazz Chisholm Jr. or Ketel Marte, Smith could be flipped elsewhere in a trade.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made headlines earlier this off-season when it was revealed that he underwent laser eye surgery, which raised the obvious question, was poor eyesight part of the reason behind his struggles?
According to Atkins, the answer is no. Guerrero previously wore contacts and never informed the Jays about any issues with his eyes. Vision isn’t something the Jays are focused on. Instead, their current point of emphasis is Guerrero’s off-season workout routine.
“I feel really good about Vlad,” Atkins said. “He’s off to an incredible start. Our strength and conditioning staff has met with him and those close to Vlad as well. We have spent time with him that has been really productive and constructive. He is fired up and on a mission.”
• José Berríos is making progress in his rehab from Tommy John surgery. The former ace is still expected to get off to a delayed start in spring training, and he’s unlikely to be ready for opening day, but if his recovery continues at the current pace, he could become an option for the Jays by May or June.
• The Jays intend to welcome back all of this year’s coaching staff with the exception of mental performance coach John Lannan, who was recently relieved of his duties. However, it’s still possible one of their coaches gets hired away by another team.
• Atkins floated the possibility of using Addison Barger in centre field next season. I’ll believe that when I see it, not before.
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Opinion articles are based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details
Gregor Chisholm is a Toronto-based baseball columnist for the Star. Follow him on X: @GregorChisholm or reach him via email: gchisholm@thestar.ca.
