Toronto Blue Jays: Does Jason Grilli Deserve His Club Option?

Jason Grilli has made it clear he wants to finish his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, but should they pick up the club option on the veteran pitcher and fan favourite?

When Jason Grilli signed a two-year deal with the Atlanta Braves at the end of 2014, they became the eighth major league team he had suited up for. Little did he know this number would increase to nine, before his contract expired.

Of course, as we all know, that ninth team turned out to be the Toronto Blue Jays, who traded for Grilli on May 31st this year. And now the veteran pitcher has had a taste of Southern Ontario, who doesn’t want to leave.

Shortly after the conclusion of the Blue Jays’ season, the 2013 All-Star was asked about his future plans. In particular, was he going to retire?

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Speaking to Greg Ross of CBC News and the rest of the media, Grilli said: “They say age is just a number. I’m going to turn 20 again here in a few weeks.”

Of course the soon to be 40-year old was joking, but he made it clear he wants to return to Toronto: “I’d love to finish my career here. I’m not done yet.”

Not being done yet, includes returning the Blue Jays to former glories. As Grilli said: “To have an opportunity to put a banner next to one of those other ones up there, that’s the dream.”

With comments like that, it’s easy to see why the former fourth overall draft pick quickly became a fan favourite in Toronto. It also helped that he performed well on the mound.

After arriving from Atlanta, Grilli used his skills and leadership to help galvanize an inexperienced bullpen. He pitched 42 innings for the Blue Jays in 46 appearances, recording a 3.64 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP and 58 strikeouts. (He also pitched 3.2 scoreless innings during the postseason.)

However, perhaps the number one reason Blue Jays fans took to the Royal Oak, Michigan native was because of his enthusiasm and passion. Certainly, he appreciates the support: “I’ve said it a million times, it’s special how they’ve embraced me here.”

Sep 4, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Jason Grilli (37) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

In truth, it should come as little surprise that Grilli loves playing in Toronto and wants to finish his playing career here. After all, he cheered for the Blue Jays when he was younger, as a result of his dad playing for them between 1979-1981.

Having said all that, it means little if the organization does not want him back. Fortunately for the two-time Delivery Man of the Month, this is apparently not the case.

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins was asked last week if he intends to pick up Grilli’s 2017 option at $3 million. Atkins responded: “As near to a no-brainer as you’ll find.”

With that, it shows that dreams really can come true, especially if you put in the hard work to match your talent. Now all that remains is to see if Grilli can fulfill one final ambition – to get that elusive World Series ring.

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Now it’s your turn. Do you think the Blue Jays should pick up the option on Grilli or not, and why?Let us know in the comments section below.

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