5 MLB Free Agents the Toronto Blue Jays Need to Target
Zack Cook
Host · Writer
Joey Votto- 1B/DH
2023 Stats: -0.1 WAR, 208 AB, 42 H, 14 HR, 38 RBI, 26 R, .314 OBP, .433 SLG, .747 OPS - There's been a lot of chatter throughout his MLB career about a potential homecoming in Toronto for Canadian Joey Votto. With the Cincinnati Reds moving on from Votto this offseason and making him a free agent, will Toronto be interested in making the Canadian their DH? In addition, Votto could also spell Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first on occasion and give him some DH days. If Votto is interested in coming home, the Blue Jays would be wise to at least take the call.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto - RHP
2023 JPPL Stats: 23 games, 16-6, 1.21 ERA, 169 SO, 164 IP - The Toronto Blue Jays might have one of the strongest rotations in baseball, but if they can pony up the cash to land a premiere starter like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, you do it. If Toronto does land the Japanese star, they can make moves around that from a position of strength. Teams are always looking for starting pitching.
Jeimer Candelario - 3B
2023 Stats: 2.9 WAR, 505 AB, 127 H, 22 HR, 70 RBI, 77 R, 8 SB, .336 OBP, .471 SLG, .807 OPS - If the Blue Jays are unable to retain the services of Matt Chapman, and that may be the right move depending on the price tag, signing a player like Jeimer Candelario to fill the void makes a lot of sense. Candelario might not bring the gold glove defense to the table that Chapman does, but he was consistent at the plate in 2023, and you have to respect the pop he could bring to the lineup.
Michael A. Taylor - OF
2023 Stats: 1.9 WAR, 355 AB, 78 H, 21 HR, 51 RBI, 48 R, 13 SB, .278 OBP, .442 SLG, .720 OPS - Michael A. Taylor brings a lot of qualities to the table that the Toronto Blue Jays have started to covet. He's a strong outfield defender and has pop in his bat. He's coming off hitting 21 home runs last year, which certainly ties into why the Blue Jays reportedly have an interest in him. Ideally, you'd like him to get on base more, but he's certainly a player who could lengthen your lineup near the bottom.
Eugenio Suarez - 3B
2023 Stats: 2.3 WAR, 598 AB, 139 H, 22 HR, 96 RBI, 68 R, 2 SB, .323 OBP, .391 SLG, .714 OPS - If Chapman does ultimately outprice himself from Toronto, there are at least options available in the third base free agent market. We've already discussed Candelario, but Eugenio Suarez is another intriguing option that Toronto has reportedly checked out the market on. Suarez brings another big power bat to the table, and that has to be attractive, even if he strikes out a lot. The Blue Jays can certainly use another power option in their lineup that can drive in runs.
Joey Votto- 1B/DH
2023 Stats: -0.1 WAR, 208 AB, 42 H, 14 HR, 38 RBI, 26 R, .314 OBP, .433 SLG, .747 OPS - There's been a lot of chatter throughout his MLB career about a potential homecoming in Toronto for Canadian Joey Votto. With the Cincinnati Reds moving on from Votto this offseason and making him a free agent, will Toronto be interested in making the Canadian their DH? In addition, Votto could also spell Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first on occasion and give him some DH days. If Votto is interested in coming home, the Blue Jays would be wise to at least take the call.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto - RHP
2023 JPPL Stats: 23 games, 16-6, 1.21 ERA, 169 SO, 164 IP - The Toronto Blue Jays might have one of the strongest rotations in baseball, but if they can pony up the cash to land a premiere starter like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, you do it. If Toronto does land the Japanese star, they can make moves around that from a position of strength. Teams are always looking for starting pitching.
