
Photo of former Blue Jay Marcus Semien - Photo from @DannyVietti Twitter
It was a bit of a rough weekend for the Toronto Blue Jays and their fans. First, the team found out that at least one of their award-winning players signed with a different team. Marcus Semien has signed a 7-year deal with the Texas Rangers.
.@Rangers, Marcus Semien reportedly agree to a 7-year deal, per @Feinsand. pic.twitter.com/0eXkN8QLqu
— MLB (@MLB) November 28, 2021
The move makes sense for Semien as he wanted to get paid a lot of money and move back to the shortstop position. This team allows for both of those to come true. The next problem is with the AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray. Ray is a free agent and could sign with any team. This would leave a hole in the Blue Jays Rotation as Ray was one of the best pitchers in the entire league last season.
The market is heating up for Robbie Ray.
pic.twitter.com/gXGeH3kcpa
— theScore (@theScore) November 29, 2021
The Blue Jays could still bring Ray back to the team, but they have made a move just in case he doesn’t return. The Jays signed star pitcher Kevin Gausman to help bolster their starting rotation.
BREAKING: Right-hander Kevin Gausman and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a five-year, $110 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 29, 2021
But with other holes in the team needing attention, the Blue Jays have some options for filling the spot.
Free Agent Options
Marcus Semien was a killer for the Jays at second base last year, and his departure leaves a big hole needing to be filled. Of course, they could opt to replace him with a youngster, but with money to spend, the Jays have options.
Javier Báez
Javier Báez is a stud on the infield, and although he usually plays shortstop, he could play second base. He is a free agent, and talks with the Mets are said to be far apart. Báez has shown that he can lead a team before having multiple big seasons with the Cubs before moving to the Mets. Báez would cost the team a ton of money as he is a veteran star player, but it could be worth it to fill a much-needed hole.
Carlos Correa
Carlos Correa is one of the most hated players in the league. He cemented his unlikeable role after the Houston Astros cheating scandal in 2017. He is also hated because he is an outstanding baseball player. Correa brings an all-around game that would take the Blue Jays infield to a new level. He will be the most expensive option at second base, but you would be getting your money’s worth. Recent reports have said that Correa is looking to break the bank and get a huge contract, so this could be the unlikeliest of the options. This move would likely cause Bichette to move to second base as Correa would not want to switch positions.
Trevor Story
Trevor Story is an excellent option for the Blue Jays in free agency. This move would also cause Bichette to move to second base, as Story would probably remain shortstop. Story would bring an awesome power-hitting game that is as consistent as they come. Story is also young and is looking to sign a long-term deal that sets his baseball future up. Playing with a young powerhouse like the Blue Jays could be a very enticing proposition for both sides.
Marcus Stroman
After opting out of the 2020 season, Stroman had a strong season having a 3.02 ERA. Stroman is a former Blue Jay, and he would bring a solid repertoire to a Jays rotation that needs to get stronger. A reunion would likely also raise the team’s morale, which could equal some big numbers for the team this season. Stroman is looking to prove himself after failing to become a team’s ace in the years since being a Jay. So returning to the Jays and helping improve the same team that gave him his start would be a great story.
Any one of these players would improve an already fantastic Blue Jays team. The Blue Jays could likely win their division and look towards a potential World Series run with these improvements.
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