With the MLB offseason recently getting underway, the handful of prized free agents available this winter will undoubtedly be getting most of the attention from teams across the league.
The Toronto Blue Jays are already pursuing some of those top free agents on the market. According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca, Toronto has made plans to meet with representatives of third baseman Pablo Sandoval. The Blue Jays are also rumored to have had internal discussions about signing catcher Russell Martin, per Jeff Blair of Sportsnet.ca.
While there’s nothing wrong with chasing the top talent available in free agency, the Blue Jays should also be keeping their eye on some bargain free agents.
While bargain free agents don’t generate much hype in the media or among fans, these players can still add depth and stability to a team looking to contend. They can also be had for relatively cheap and provide good value.
Let’s take a look at three bargain free agents Toronto should keep on its radar.
Rickie Weeks, Second Baseman
After having a down year in 2013, Rickie Weeks was relegated to a part-time role during the 2014 season with the Milwaukee Brewers. The 32-year-old did put up solid numbers at the plate in 2014, hitting .274/.357/.452 with eight home runs, 29 RBI and 36 runs scored in 286 plate appearances.
Weeks was one of the top power-hitting second basemen in the National League between the 2009 and 2012 seasons, averaging 20 home runs, 23 doubles and 55 RBI a season. While it’s probably unreasonable to expect the right-handed hitter to revert to that form at this stage in his career, Weeks could still be an upgrade over the players the Blue Jays had at second base last season.
Toronto’s second basemen combined to hit just .247/.295/.340 with seven home runs, 48 RBI and 52 runs scored during the 2014 campaign. So, even if Weeks can’t replicate his production from previous seasons, he would still be a worthwhile addition to the Blue Jays roster.
It shouldn’t take more than a one- to two-year deal for Toronto to land Weeks. The Blue Jays can further sweeten the pot by promising the second baseman a chance to compete for the starter’s role during spring training in 2015.
Mike Carp, First Baseman/Outfielder
Mike Carp had a very good 2013 season as a utility player for the Boston Red Sox, hitting .296/.362/.523 with nine home runs, 43 RBI and 34 runs scored in 243 plate appearances. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistency at the plate led to Carp playing just 59 games in 2014.
With Colby Rasmus and Melky Cabrera free agents, the Blue Jays lack depth in their outfield. Toronto also recently traded away designated hitter/first baseman Adam Lind. Carp has the ability to play both first base and a corner spot in the outfield.
Having a bench player with the ability to play two defensive positions could give Blue Jays manager John Gibbons increased flexibility when setting the lineup or making late-game substitutions.
The key for Carp will be rebounding at the plate. While he hit just .175 in 149 plate appearances last season, Carp is a career .254 hitter and also has a career on-base percentage of .330. So, look for those 2014 numbers to improve.
Now a free agent, the 28-year-old Carp will likely be looking to sign a one-year deal. Considering the value that he brings defensively and his decent career numbers at the plate, this could be a bargain signing for the Blue Jays.
Jason Motte, RHP
Jason Motte could be the perfect buy-low candidate for a Blue Jays team looking to add new relievers.
After posting a combined ERA of 2.43 and a strikeouts-per-nine-innings ratio of 9.5 between the 2010 and 2012 seasons, Motte underwent Tommy John surgery and missed most of the 2014 season. When he did return, Motte struggled and had a 4.68 ERA in 25 innings of work.
Considering that it usually takes time for pitchers to round into form after returning from Tommy John surgery, it’s likely that the 32-year-old Motte could have a bounce-back year next season.
With Casey Janssen a free agent, the Blue Jays will need a new closer. They could use this vacancy to further entice Motte—who had 42 saves in 2012—to sign a one-year deal with incentives and compete for the closer’s role.
After finishing 25th in the majors in bullpen ERA in 2014, it’s no secret that Toronto will need to drastically overhaul its relief corps this offseason. With Motte, the Blue Jays could have a chance to acquire a veteran reliever who has a successful track record for a bargain price.
*All stats are from baseball-reference.com.
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