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

[jetsforever]

Steve Phillips was just on TSN.

Steve Phillips says he expects the Jays to do more. Says he heard what we heard, the chances of signing Scherzer increases if Alonso is coming too.

Phillips believes Scherzer doesnt sign without insider information about Bregman or Alonso coming to Toronto. Scherzer, Alonso and Bregman all have the same agent; Boras. Says the Jays have a 6 year offer out on Bregman and an offer on Alonso. Thinks they can get 1 or both players.

Both is unrealistic but I'm starting to get hope again for one of them

 

[MK78]

If it goes to shit, we can definitely replinsh the farm system some more. If things are going well in the standings, hopefully we re-sign both Vlad and Bo, then we are set up to contend for several more years to come. Kind of a win-win. Sneaky good job by the front office.

The only issue is who gets to replenish the farm system? The current management has done a brutal job of drafting and developing. There is a reason why the Jays couldnt swing big trades. There's nothing to trade or they're hurt all the time.

 

[Discoverer]

Jimenez has had a good minor league trajectory, and isn’t far off.
I start wondering where everyone would play from 2B to 3B
TO: Clement Bichette Gimenez
Close if not ML ready: Jimenez Wagner Schneider
I’m really bullish on Warner’s hitting profile enough to want to see him lots at the top of the order.
AAA: Barger Kasevich Martinez
All those guys should play too.
It’s a nice problem to have.
Syracuse could be pretty stacked.

Damn man, I was just kidding earlier when I asked if you thought it was 2005. Now I'm a little worried about you.

 

[aingefan]

I thought Wagner showed enough that he deserves to start the year with the team, barring a disaster spring or something.

I think Jimenez and Schneider are the opposite: they should probably start the year in Buffalo unless they force their way in with a great spring.

I really thought I’d previously seen that Leo was out of options.
Agree on Wagner. His whole career has been about plate discipline and line drives.
Imagining a fantasy world where both Bregman and Alonso sign, both TO and Syracuse could have top three offences in their leagues.
Unlikely sure, but I’ll enjoy the ride for the evening.

 

[canucksfan]

Like the Scherzer signing. If he does get injured Jays have Manoah coming back and also Bloss. Hopefully, he will be healthy for at least the first half of the year. Max brings intensity and leadership as well.

Jays need another bat, sign Vladdy, and a reliever.

 

[phillipmike]

Damn man, I was just kidding earlier when I asked if you thought it was 2005. Now I'm a little worried about you.

Aingefan:

 

[aingefan]

Good player. I wouldnt have mind him or Moncada at 3B to push Clement to super utility.

Moncada short-term still makes sense, but with Bregman still a possibility if you believe the reports, he’s gotta be a backup plan.

 

[dredeye]

Guess we are trying to push the the $300 million payroll for 85-88 wins

It’s really crazy how much they are going to spend to not really be very good

 

[aingefan]

Damn man, I was just kidding earlier when I asked if you thought it was 2005. Now I'm a little worried about you.

Lmao, Buffalo!
Brain’s darting all over the place with possibility….way too late for a ninja edit too, thanks a lot!

 

[dredeye]

If it goes to pot, there’s a lil treasure trove of expiring goodies to move: Max, Bassitt, Green, Swanson, not to mention Vladdy, Bo and maybe even a guy or two with term.

That’s what I mean. It’s another piece for the treasure trove of moveable pieces.

 

[Puckstuff]

I love this deal, it just makes sense.

Mad Max is a legit starting option to pair with Manoah at the end of the season as a very good #5.

Plus we maintain payroll flexibility for 2026 with Bassist and Scherzer coming off the books at seasons end. Next free agency is shaping up to be a good one for starting pitching so having an expiring Max is more preferable than a multi year deal for some of the other options I.e Pivetta. I will be interested to see what Quintana and Pivetta get but I think this is the best fit.

 

[trellaine201]

I expect a trade next. Of some magnitude.

 

[canucksfan]

Wouldn't surprise me if a move happens this weekend.

 

[phillipmike]

If the Jays land Alonso, this a top 5 offseason since 2000?

2025: Santander, Scherzer, Gimenez, Hoffman, Garcia + Alonso

In no particular order:

2021: Springer, Semien, Matz, Ray, Chatwood, Phelps, Yates.

2015: Donaldson, Martin, Estrada, Smoak, Travis, Saunders

2008: Burnett, Glaus, BJ Ryan, Bengie Molina, Lyle Overbay

2013: Dickey, Reyes, Buerhle, Johnson, Bonifacio, Melky, Oliver

 

[canucksfan]

If the Jays land Alonso, this a top 5 offseason since 2000?

2025: Santander, Scherzer, Gimenez, Hoffman, Garcia + Alonso

In no particular order:

2021: Springer, Semien, Matz, Ray, Chatwood, Phelps, Yates.

2015: Donaldson, Martin, Estrada, Smoak, Travis, Saunders

2008: Burnett, Glaus, BJ Ryan, Bengie Molina, Lyle Overbay

2013: Dickey, Reyes, Buerhle, Johnson, Bonifacio, Melky, Oliver

It would be up there. My biggest concern is health.

 

[hockeywiz542]

 

[Dr.Funk]

I'm interested

 

[hockeywiz542]

What I'm Hearing About Former Mets Ace Max Scherzer's Market

Free agent starting pitcher and future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer is still looking for a new home. As Mets On SI first reported, Scherzer threw a bullpen in fro

www.si.com

January 29, 2025

As Mets On SI first reported, Scherzer threw a bullpen in front of interested teams at Cressey Sports Performance's pro day in Palm Beach, Fla. last week.

Scouts liked what they saw from the 40-year-old and the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox were among the clubs in attendance.

But the team that has been the most heavily linked to Scherzer is the Blue Jays who have also been in talks with first baseman Pete Alonso.

The Blue Jays, who just signed Anthony Santander and are now trying to extend homegrown star Vladimir Guerrero Jr., are said to be all-in as their baseball leadership group is pushing to contend for a postseason spot in a weak American League.

Scherzer has spoken to the Blue Jays, with sources briefed on the situation describing discussions as being serious, but nothing seems to have come to fruition yet. The belief is that Toronto's goal is to land two out of three names on the open market in Scherzer, Alonso and third baseman Alex Bregman. The former two look to be the most attainable at this point in time.

The expectation is that Scherzer could land around $15 million or so on a one-year pact (first mentioned by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com). And if Scherzer decides on Toronto, the word is that this could potentially enhance their chances of getting Alonso due to the players having a close relationship.

 

[Kiwi]

Jesus

I'm basically a hockey fan and when you see payroll numbers like that it makes my head spin

That's a **** ton of cash

 

[hockeywiz542]

That's incredible. I mean, at first, I got to just give you a little credit. The sweatshirt right now that you're riding, it looks like you're about to go to a rap battle concert. And I respect that totally, though. You're looking fresh. So, if you want to spit a couple of lyrics right now, just let us know. Let me talk a little bit about the Blue Jays, though, with this whole scenario. Are they out of it now, or is it just the Mets solely now? You talk about leverage. Is it the Mets only to get Pete, or is it the Toronto still trying to find a way to get him?

No, I think Toronto's in there just to try to show that there might be leverage. And of course, the way the basic agreement is written, teams can't say we're out on this player, right? That's part of the agreement that's there in the CBA. So Blue Jays can't say anything. And so, you know, is it possible they could sign Alonso, move Guerrero to third? Sure. But my understanding is they're not in this thing at all. Not that they don't have interest, not that they wouldn't consider it if the price was right. But based on kind of where the Alonso camp is and where Pete wants to go, it doesn't seem to be an option. You know, we've heard the San Francisco Giants, but Buster Posey is completely opposed to opt outs. He does not want them. That's a real philosophical in cement viewpoint that he has right now in his first year running the Giants. So that's kind of out. The best fit for him is the Mariners, but they don't have any money, so they're not going anywhere. So, you know, look, there's not a lot of options. This is a deal that I would be shocked at if it doesn't get done with the Mets. It's just a matter of both sides needing to give here at the end to get the structure so both sides can at least be satisfied. Look, Pete Alonso is going to lose this negotiation. It is what it is. But he needs to do the best he can to get the most money up front, like Cody Bellinger did with the Cubs two years ago, which was another Boras client. and then be able to opt out in two years and hope that the market for first baseman is better and that he can put up two years of 40 home runs a year.

 

[Puckstuff]

So basically, if your team has a top-five payroll, your team never has to rebuild. Atkins can buy his way out of mistakes, and I'm here for it. This seems like new territory for Jays fans. We all thought Rogers would cheap out, but they actually go out and spend, which ultimately prevents the rebuild. Vlad + top 5 payroll means there should never be a real reason to rebuild.