Blue Jays Discussion: 2024-25 Off-season: The free agent watch begins (and sometimes old baseball radio broadcasts)

[Dr.Funk]

Has anybody heard if the Jays are one of the teams in on Nolan Arenado?

Haven't and hope to keep it that way. He's on the George Springer trajectory.

 

[tmlfan98]

BNS and Shi Davidi refuted this speculation, saying Shatkins backed out when the bidding went over 700M. Mets (obviously), Yankees and Red Sox all went over 700M.

Sources with knowledge of the bidding described them as making the shortlist of finalists with an offer that was under $700 million for the superstar outfielder, who agreed to a record $765-million, 15-year deal with the New York Mets on Sunday night.

As the pursuit of Soto intensified, the Blue Jays were often perceived to be among the most aggressive suitors for the 26-year-old free agent. Industry gossip about an offer as high as $760 million circulated Monday in the lobby of the Hilton Anatole, home to baseball’s Winter Meetings.

But that speculation seems to have been overblown and while the Blue Jays are believed to have had the authorization of ownership to go further for Soto, it appears that the front office held steady to their valuations as the final-day push by both the Mets and Yankees eliminated the other contenders.

In landing Soto, the Mets fended off a Yankees offer of $760 million over 16 years, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. The Boston Red Sox were also up over $700 million, though not by much, another industry source told Sportsnet. It’s unclear what the Dodgers’ final bid was.

 

[Woodman19]

Reeks of desperation

 

[canucksfan]

BNS and Shi Davidi refuted this speculation, saying Shatkins backed out when the bidding went over 700M. Mets (obviously), Yankees and Red Sox all went over 700M.

But that speculation seems to have been overblown and while the Blue Jays are believed to have had the authorization of ownership to go further for Soto, it appears that the front office held steady to their valuations as the final-day push by both the Mets and Yankees eliminated the other contenders.

Does this mean the Jays didn't offer him more because they felt he wasn't worth 700 million+?

 

[Ale Brew]

Does this mean the Jays didn't offer him more because they felt he wasn't worth 700 million+?

That’s how I interpret it.

 

[The Nemesis]

100%.

I haven't posted here as much for the last 5-6 months because it's been hard to be around the conversation here. I'm not a cheerleader nor do I need positivity all the time, but there's no nuance or actual discussion, just screeching that's no fun to engage with. Largely because most of it feels like it comes from the angriest posters who don't want to have a conversation, just scream into the void.

Has anybody heard if the Jays are one of the teams in on Nolan Arenado?

I've seen it brought up but I'm not sure if I've actually seen it linked to anything that would concretely suggest there's legs to it instead of people making random suggestions.

It's not something I'd be too interested in. He was an all-star 2 years ago but all the stats suggest he didn't have that great of a year, especially by his lofty standards. Then last year he was even worse and was probably only saved from getting more attention for it by the fact that he was the second biggest age-based implosion on his team thanks to to Goldschmidt's absolute self-destruction. His power completely vanished and there's evidence that his glove is failing him as well. There are even rumors that he's expressed a willingness to consider playing 1B to make him more attractive as a trade target.

I would not be comfortable hitching my wagon to a fading 3B whose fallback would be to slide over and be an even more unattractive 1B.

 

[tmlfan98]

Does this mean the Jays didn't offer him more because they felt he wasn't worth 700 million+?

Yup smh. IMO this does not bode well for the Vladdy negotiations if Shatkins are still in charge.

 

[Woodman19]

Yup smh. IMO this does not bode well for the Vladdy negotiations if Shatkins are still in charge.

What, you think we should be paying Guerrero 700 million?

 

[Dr.Funk]

I haven't posted here as much for the last 5-6 months because it's been hard to be around the conversation here. I'm not a cheerleader nor do I need positivity all the time, but there's no nuance or actual discussion, just screeching that's no fun to engage with. Largely because most of it feels like it comes from the angriest posters who don't want to have a conversation, just scream into the void.



I've seen it brought up but I'm not sure if I've actually seen it linked to anything that would concretely suggest there's legs to it instead of people making random suggestions.

It's not something I'd be too interested in. He was an all-star 2 years ago but all the stats suggest he didn't have that great of a year, especially by his lofty standards. Then last year he was even worse and was probably only saved from getting more attention for it by the fact that he was the second biggest age-based implosion on his team thanks to to Goldschmidt's absolute self-destruction. His power completely vanished and there's evidence that his glove is failing him as well. There are even rumors that he's expressed a willingness to consider playing 1B to make him more attractive as a trade target.

I would not be comfortable hitching my wagon to a fading 3B whose fallback would be to slide over and be an even more unattractive 1B.

I wouldn't even trade Springer for him

 

[Ale Brew]

What, you think we should be paying Guerrero 700 million?

I think he’s suggesting we’ll be too cheap because we wouldn’t go over 700 for Soto.

 

[canucksfan]

I haven't posted here as much for the last 5-6 months because it's been hard to be around the conversation here. I'm not a cheerleader nor do I need positivity all the time, but there's no nuance or actual discussion, just screeching that's no fun to engage with. Largely because most of it feels like it comes from the angriest posters who don't want to have a conversation, just scream into the void.



I've seen it brought up but I'm not sure if I've actually seen it linked to anything that would concretely suggest there's legs to it instead of people making random suggestions.

It's not something I'd be too interested in. He was an all-star 2 years ago but all the stats suggest he didn't have that great of a year, especially by his lofty standards. Then last year he was even worse and was probably only saved from getting more attention for it by the fact that he was the second biggest age-based implosion on his team thanks to to Goldschmidt's absolute self-destruction. His power completely vanished and there's evidence that his glove is failing him as well. There are even rumors that he's expressed a willingness to consider playing 1B to make him more attractive as a trade target.

I would not be comfortable hitching my wagon to a fading 3B whose fallback would be to slide over and be an even more unattractive 1B.

Years ago, there would be a lot of solid discussions but now very few. Seems to be going that way in many areas.

 

[tmlfan98]

What, you think we should be paying Guerrero 700 million?

No, just that in general Shatkins won't be willing to go above whatever their valuation of Vlad is, which means Vlad probably walks and gets another team to go above Shatkins valuation.

2026 Blue Jays: 0 franchise players

 

[The Nemesis]

Years ago, there would be a lot of solid discussions but now very few. Seems to be going that way in many areas.

I almost miss when the team was awful and people just had fun with it. Like spending an entire game bagging on Corey Patterson.

 

[hockeywiz542]

 

[Killer Orcas]

Considering they literally don't have a bullpen and a solid starting rotation seems strange to have relief pitching behind starting in needs.

 

[Puckstuff]

Considering they literally don't have a bullpen and a solid starting rotation seems strange to have relief pitching behind starting in needs.

Basically, we need:

• 1 good bat, preferably for the outfield.
• 1 good starter.
• 1 very good bullpen arm.
• At least 2 replacement-level bullpen arms.

 

[Blitzkrug]

Years ago, there would be a lot of solid discussions but now very few. Seems to be going that way in many areas.

It's either one way or the other.

Like people getting assmad pointing out that even the slightest hint of a post not calling for Shatkins to be put on a pike and paraded around the Rogers Centre is somehow "delusional" and "coping"

Like yes, they suck. We all know it, but at least have your arguments for why based on reality/facts rather than some made up shit or a gut feeling.

"Paul Goldschmidt is what this team needs and i won't take for an answer"

"Actually he was pretty terrible last year"

"Yeah well that's like, your opinion man."

 

[BallardEra]

Vlad Jr is gone for sure.

 

[Killer Orcas]

Basically, we need:

• 1 good bat, preferably for the outfield.
• 1 good starter.
• 1 very good bullpen arm.
• At least 2 replacement-level bullpen arms.

I understand and can get behind that logic but I'd rather they get 2-3 great arms for pen and a lefty masher to put between Bo and Vlad. Another starter though always nice as can never have too many is a luxury compared to pen needs in my opinion. We've always skimped on the pen under these guys and it's cost us many games. Having the best starters doesn't mean much when the pen keeps blowing their quality starts.

 

[CabanaBoy5]

lol someone’s mad.

Lol lose an argument and resort to vulgar language…not a good look.

 

[canucksfan]

It's either one way or the other.

Like people getting assmad pointing out that even the slightest hint of a post not calling for Shatkins to be put on a pike and paraded around the Rogers Centre is somehow "delusional" and "coping"

Like yes, they suck. We all know it, but at least have your arguments for why based on reality/facts rather than some made up shit or a gut feeling.

"Paul Goldschmidt is what this team needs and i won't take for an answer"

"Actually he was pretty terrible last year"

"Yeah well that's like, your opinion man."

After the Twins series a significant majority, if not all would have been fine with seeing Atkins gone. I don't get the constant posting about how he sucks because it just clogs up the posts.

Reading about potential free-agent targets or even trades would be much more enjoyable, Goldschmidt aside.

 

[CabanaBoy5]

Lots of reports that they’re targeting a big bat and a premium starter (I prefer Fried, but wouldn’t be upset with Burnes at all).

It’s a tall order but this isn’t a poor franchise. That would set up the team pretty well, from an offence and pitching pov.

I mean, how much better is the offence next year compared to 23 if you just add Santander? It’s a pretty big jump, I think.

I mean, my glass is pretty half full, but I think you can count on near average production (700 ops) from C, 2B, SS, 3B and CF and wherever Horwitz plays with in house guys. Above average from Santander, and well above average from Vladdy. Plus whatever you get from Springer.

And that’s before you count on Bo, or what you get out of a trade with him, and no real projected spots at 60% of average - like lots of teams trotted out last year at various spots.

And some breakout potential from Barger, Loperfido, or OMart.

And I’m not sure what I’d peg as a return for Bassitt at say 15 mil, but if you eat money….there’s undervalued guys out there to fill the gaps.

Maybe a bit optimistic, but two big signings and it’s a big offseason.

I like your optimism. However, it’s probably misguided optimism given these two clowns that are running the show. They’ll find a way to f*** things up.

 

[hockeywiz542]

 

[Puckstuff]

I understand and can get behind that logic but I'd rather they get 2-3 great arms for pen and a lefty masher to put between Bo and Vlad. Another starter though always nice as can never have too many is a luxury compared to pen needs in my opinion. We've always skimped on the pen under these guys and it's cost us many games. Having the best starters doesn't mean much when the pen keeps blowing their quality starts.

Yeah, they need bullpen. If they add 2-3 WAR to the bullpen and 1 WAR to the starting rotation instead of say the reverse, 1 WAR to the bullpen and a 2-3 war starter, I’m good with either, since it probably comes down to who's available to sign with us. The most important thing for me is getting a solid bat.

 

[Kurtz]

This quote is worth its weight in gold. Atkins has outdone himself.