Injuries of blue jays
Nov. 6: Blue Jays exercise two-year, $21 million club option on RHP Chad Green
This was a complicated series of options between the Blue Jays and Green. First, a three-year, $27 million club option was declined. Next, a one-year, $6.25 million player option was declined by Green’s side. This triggered a third and final option (belonging to the club), which the Blue Jays picked up for two years and $21 million.
The simpler part? This is a stabilizing move for the Blue Jays’ bullpen and limits their need to shop externally for relievers this offseason. Green’s 5.25 ERA in 12 appearances after returning from Tommy John surgery last season doesn’t quite capture his performance, either, as the righty looked very sharp at the tail end of 2023. He’s expected to be one of Toronto’s key high-leverage arms ahead of closer Jordan Romano.
Nov. 2: UTIL Whit Merrifield, Blue Jays decline mutual option
Merrifield’s $18 million mutual option for 2024 came with a $500,000 buyout, which he has now taken to become a free agent. Merrifield played all over for the Blue Jays this past season, batting .272 with a .700 OPS and 26 stolen bases. The three-time All-Star will have plenty of interest on the open market heading into his age-35 season, particularly from contenders looking to complement a strong roster with versatile depth.
Nov. 2: 3B Matt Chapman, CF Kevin Kiermaier, RHP Jordan Hicks and LHP Hyun Jin Ryu elect free agency
This is a formality with all four players, but it highlights where the Blue Jays’ biggest needs will be in the months ahead. Chapman’s defense at third base and Kiermaier’s in center will be difficult to replace after an excellent year from this roster in that area. Kiermaier should earn a multiyear deal, while Chapman will likely cash in near the top of the market.
Ryu will remain an option for the Blue Jays as they look to maintain some level of rotation depth alongside the great unknown of Alek Manoah, while Hicks, who Toronto made an aggressive push for at the Trade Deadline, will be one of the market’s top relievers and should land a strong deal.
Jansen was beginning to ramp up his baseball activities in hopes of returning later in the postseason, but the Blue Jays couldn’t give him that chance. Jansen’s fractured finger comes with no long-term concerns and he is expected to be fully healed in time for Spring Training. Jansen has had terrible luck with injuries, too often taking bad bounces or foul tips off his hands, but he showed in 2023 that he has the talent to be one of the best offensive catchers in baseball when he’s on the field. (Last updated: Oct. 4)
