The Toronto Blue Jays have been making some big moves this offseason, and it looks like they are not done yet. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, they have already added two new pitchers to their rotation, but there are talks that they could be on the hunt for a third.
After missing out on the playoffs last year, the Blue Jays are determined to make a comeback in 2020. And the addition of starting pitchers Tanner Roark and Chase Anderson has certainly strengthened their rotation. Roark, who signed a two-year deal worth $24 million, is known for his consistency and durability on the mound. He has a career ERA of 3.71 and has averaged over 30 starts per season over the past four years. Anderson, on the other hand, was acquired in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers and brings a solid track record of performance and experience to the team.
But with the departure of Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez, the Blue Jays are still in need of another quality arm in their rotation. This is where the talks of adding a third pitcher come into play. And the team has been linked to some big names in the free-agent market, including Dallas Keuchel and Hyun-Jin Ryu.
Keuchel, who won the Cy Young award in 2015, is coming off a season where he posted a 3.75 ERA in 19 starts with the Atlanta Braves. He brings a wealth of experience and playoff pedigree, having won a World Series with the Houston Astros in 2017. Ryu, on the other hand, is fresh off a stellar season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he finished second in the Cy Young voting. He had a career-high 2.32 ERA and recorded 163 strikeouts in 182.2 innings pitched.
Adding either one of these pitchers to the Blue Jays’ rotation would be a huge boost for the team. Not only do they bring a high level of performance, but their leadership and experience could also have a positive impact on the young players on the roster. Both Keuchel and Ryu have proven themselves to be reliable starters, and their addition would solidify the Blue Jays’ rotation.
But it’s not just about adding a big-name pitcher for the sake of it. The Blue Jays are also being strategic in their pursuit of a third starter. With the team’s top pitching prospect Nate Pearson expected to make his debut in the majors this season, having a veteran presence in the rotation would provide a sense of balance and stability. It would also allow Pearson to develop and grow without the pressure of being the ace of the rotation right away.
There is no doubt that the Blue Jays’ front office is aware of the impact a third starting pitcher could have on the team’s success this season. And with the current state of the free-agent market, where there are still quality starters available, it would be a missed opportunity if the team does not make a move.
Moreover, the addition of a third starter would further solidify the Blue Jays’ chances of competing in a highly competitive AL East division. The New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays are both strong teams, and the Boston Red Sox are expected to bounce back after a disappointing 2019 season. Adding another quality starter would give the Blue Jays a fighting chance in this tough division.
In conclusion, the Blue Jays have already made significant improvements to their rotation with the addition of Roark and Anderson. But the talks of adding a third starting pitcher show that the team is committed to making a strong comeback this season. With names like Keuchel and Ryu still available, the Blue Jays have a great opportunity to bolster their rotation and make a statement in the upcoming season. Let’s hope that the team makes the right move and brings in a third starter to complete their rotation. Go Blue Jays!
