Big Read: With an outstanding core of young position players, the BlueJays needed to do one thing this winter: shore up the pitching staff. This is how they did it. ✍️: ShiDavidi
he Dec. 2 tender deadline for arbitration-eligible players dumped another 40 free agents into the mix, creating some new opportunities and allowing Toronto to lock another piece in place. Matt Shoemaker’s status had been uncertain all winter long, with Atkins refusing to commit to the right-hander while also declining to cut the cord on him. Talks on a multi-year contract in September went nowhere and had the Blue Jays locked in another starter or two in advance, they might have cut him loose.
The market had become far more competitive than in years previous, with atypical spenders like the Reds and Chicago White Sox jumping into the fray. A strong class of starting pitchers also led to more intense bidding on a scarce commodity, particularly in the middle tier of the market, where most teams were playing. Monster deals for Strasburg and Cole also dragged prices up.
While all that was happening, the Blue Jays were also in the mix for Alex Wood, Angel Sanchez — who, like Lindblom, had righted himself in Korea and was looking to cross the Pacific — and Shun Yamaguchi, the right-hander posted by the Japanese powerhouse Yomiuri Giants. They also continued their pursuit of Ryu, meeting with Boras again in San Diego after a visit with him in Los Angeles before the winter meetings.
Meanwhile, the first-base market began to crystalize as well. Tstusugo took $12 million over two years from the Rays, while Smoak joined the Brewers on a $5-million, one-year deal. That didn’t change things for the Blue Jays where Shaw was concerned – they valued his versatility and strongly believed his bat would rebound. As their own internal picture became clearer, they felt comfortable they could sign him and still have enough budget to land Ryu.
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