David Price likely won’t be back with the Blue Jays in 2016, but that doesn’t mean the team isn’t going to make some moves during the off-season. Zack Greinke and Jordan Zimmerman have both been linked with the Jays in recent weeks, but the biggest surprise might be Reds closer Aroldis Chapman.
CBS Sports has reported that the hard-throwing 27-year-old is on the trading block as Cincinnati looks to add some young talent and fill needs at other positions. With these reports, Toronto is mentioned as a possible landing spot for the Cuban-born closer and if the price is right, it makes sense with the club’s offensive talent.
Chapman throws consistently over 100 MPH and his 546 strikeouts in just 319 innings, shows just how dominating the lefty has been in his six years in the league. With four straight seasons of 33 saves or more, he would be a great fit in the late innings for the Jays and make them one player closer to winning a World Series title.
Marco Estrada is in talks with the club and resigning the 32-year-old could have the front office looking to add another mid-price starter, allowing for Chapman and possibly a left-hand bat being added to the roster over the next few weeks.
Justin Morneau is the type of veteran that can help on and off the field, giving the manager more versatility with his lineup and the Blue Jays the type of veteran that can help win games, even when he’s not playing.
While all of these moves are unlikely, the MLB free agent market has some great talent available and this franchise will need to add a least two players and if they make the right moves, another AL East crown could be in order in 2016.
