The Toronto Blue Jays certainly aren’t looking past the playoffs this year, but from a neutral perspective, it’s interesting to consider their future rotation dilemma.
Of the Blue Jays’ five main starters heading into September, three will be free agents this offseason: Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber. On top of trying to bring one or two of them back, there’s likely to be a need for a new high-end free agent starter.
Toronto has continued to flex its spending power more and more throughout the decade, culminating in their $500 million extension for first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. back in April. Will they shop at the very top of this winter’s starting pitching market?
MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand thinks that’s a fairly safe bet. On Thursday, Feinsand listed the Blue Jays on a short list of possible suitors for Houston Astros two-time All-Star Framber Valdez this winter.
“There are some high-end starting pitchers on the market this winter, but none with the same track record as Valdez, who has a 3.16 ERA over 148 games since becoming a full-time starter in 2020,” wrote Feinsand.
“A two-time All-MLB Team selection, the lefty should land a high AAV (average annual value) to lead someone’s rotation, though his age makes the length of the deal a bit less certain. … Potential fits: Astros, Blue Jays, Orioles.”
You won’t find many with more postseason experience than Valdez, who has 85 playoff innings under his belt (though only to the tune of a 4.34 ERA). He was dominant during the team’s 2022 World Series run, and he is having a very Framber Valdez-like season this year.
With a 3.32 ERA in 157 1/3 innings and the fewest home runs allowed per nine innings of any qualified pitcher, Valdez is setting himself up nicely to make nine figures even as a 32-year-old. The question, then, is whether the Blue Jays will prioritize him in the upcoming free-agent class.
More MLB: Orioles Could Ditch Former No. 1 Pick In Favor of Top Prospect, Per Insider
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