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Fresh off their first playoff season since 2016, the promising Blue Jays could be in position for an aggressive winter. With that in mind, they’re already showing interest in some of the game’s best freefield players. The Astros George springer and longtime Red Sox center-back Jackie Bradley Jr. are on the Blue Jays’ radar, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman (h / t: Tim Kelly of WEEI.com).
[RELATED: Blue Jays Offseason Outlook]
Either Springer or Bradley could take over in central Toronto, which relied on Randal Grichuk in 2020. Grichuk has had a strong attacking season, reaching .273 / .312 / .481 (112 wRC +) with 12 homers in 231 home plate appearances. However, Grichuk struggled in the outfield, where he had minus eight defensive saves and an ultimate zone score of minus three. With Teoscar Hernandez and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in the corners, Toronto could either try to trade Grichuk, who owes $ 29 million through 2023, or move him to the outfield / DH if he signs Springer or Bradley.
Of Springer and Bradley, the former will command the much richer contract. MLBTR is predicting a five-year, $ 125 million contract for Springer, who has mixed high-end offense with very good defense throughout his career. There is a case where Springer, 31, is the # 1 player in the free market (either him or the receiver JT Realmuto). With the Astros having given Springer a qualifying offer of $ 18.9 million, which he is sure to reject, the Blue Jays would have to forgo interim compensation to add it.
Bradley is not at Springer’s level, but JBJ has been a valuable player in his career, in which he has combined fantastic defense with passable offense. This last season, although short, has been one of the best 30 years on the plate. He finished with a solid line of .283 / .364 / .450 (119 wRC +), seven homers and five interceptions across 217 PA. MLBTR expects Bradley to land a two-year, $ 16 million contract ahead of the 2021 campaign, but the Jays or another team will have to beat the Red Sox and Astros, who showed interest at the start of the season. dead.
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