'Blue Jays interested': Ranking each of Toronto's offseason targets by fit – theScore

“The Toronto Blue Jays are interested” has pretty much become the meme of the offseason.

Since the winter began, the Blue Jays have been linked to virtually every player available – and even some that are not. We’ve decided to take a stab at ranking each one they’ve been connected to so far based on the team’s needs and quality of player.

1. George Springer, OF

The Blue Jays need an outfielder capable of playing in center and Springer fits the bill better than anyone. And as a bonus, he would give Toronto a legitimate leadoff option. Springer’s apparently seriously considering the team, so this doesn’t seem far-fetched.

2. Trevor Bauer, SP

Toronto needs an ace-caliber starter forming a mean 1-2 punch alongside lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu to seriously make the leap from being a playoff contender to a World Series hopeful. Bauer is polarizing among fans, but he’s the answer at the moment from a pure talent perspective.

3. Francisco Lindor, SS

It’s a bit of an odd fit with Bo Bichette as the incumbent shortstop. But if you have the opportunity to snag one of the best at the position you do it and find a way to make it work – even if that means moving Bichette to another position.

4. DJ LeMahieu, IF

LeMahieu plays multiple infield positions, which wouldn’t require Toronto to switch Bichette’s spot. He’s coming off a batting title and would offer some serious lineup protection for the club’s young stars.

5. Justin Turner, 3B

Unless the Blue Jays are committed to giving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. another look at the hot corner, Turner would be a nice addition. Turner is a consistently tough out, and at 36, his age hasn’t caught up with him yet.

6. J.T. Realmuto, C

The Jays are loaded with catchers from the major-league level to the minors, but none possess Realmuto’s floor or upside. Realmuto would climb to the top of these rankings if the team engineers a trade involving Danny Jansen or Alejandro Kirk.

7. Jackie Bradley Jr., OF

Bradley is the second-best center fielder on the market, after Springer. He makes highlight-reel catches with ease and is historically streaky with the bat. Bradley should also cost a fraction of what the top names will, potentially opening the door for more high-profile signings.

8. Marcell Ozuna, OF

Maybe Ozuna’s bat should push him above Bradley but the Jays already have several corner outfield types. Plus, current infielder Guerrero could end up being the DH over the long term. Barring some other creative moves, Ozuna doesn’t fit cleanly into the lineup.

9. Joe Musgrove, SP

Musgrove, a former Blue Jays farmhand, has blossomed into a mid-rotation arm. Toronto probably hopes to aim higher after already re-signing Robbie Ray and having Tanner Roark under contract for another year – plus several other internal options. It’s also difficult to know if Musgrove’s career-high K/9 (12.48) was a product of a small sample size or a legitimate change in his outlook.

10. Jake Odorizzi, SP

Odorizzi was a top 20 pitcher in 2019 (min. 150 IP) when he posted a 3.51 ERA and featured a 78.7% zone contact rate, which was fifth in MLB behind Gerrit Cole, Lucas Giolito, Justin Verlander, and Max Scherzer. That’s good company.

11. Taijuan Walker, SP

Re-signing Ray may make Walker expendable even if he’d had a better run with Toronto. Walker, who posted a 1.37 ERA across six starts with the Blue Jays, has expressed an openness to returning.

12. Michael Brantley, OF

If Brantley played center, the 33-year-old would be a prime candidate for a short-term deal – especially as a lefty bat in what remains a predominantly right-handed Jays lineup. But injury history, lack of power, and an abundance of incumbent corner outfielders drop the steady outfielder’s appeal to Toronto.

13. Jean Segura, IF

Segura – traditionally a shortstop – shifted to second and third base in Philly after the Didi Gregorius signing. The 30-year-old wouldn’t displace Bichette at short, but his comparatively low upside makes him a less exciting acquisition than others on the list. The Blue Jays may be able to sign someone of similar value without trading another player in the process.

14. Kolten Wong, 2B

Wong’s possibly the best defensive second baseman in the game. He has occasionally shown an ability to hit, but as a high-contact hitter he’s often at the mercy of BABIP.

15. J.A. Happ, SP

Old friend alert! Bringing Happ back for his third go-around doesn’t make much sense for this roster unless the club cuts Roark, who is in line to be their low-upside innings eater.

16. Mike Fiers, SP

Fiers has thrown two no-hitters in his career – and sometimes has weird facial hair. The Jays have enough internal options who are already just as good.

17. Steven Matz, SP

Matz has never lived up to his potential and is coming off a disastrous season. Unless the acquisition cost is nil, it’s best to look elsewhere.

18. Andrelton Simmons, SS

If you’re going to move your hotshot young shortstop to a new position make sure it’s for nothing less than a bonafide superstar. And you don’t sign Simmons unless he’s going to be the starting shortstop. Simmons was recently the best defensive shortstop in the universe, but injuries have brought the free agent’s value into question going forward.

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