Toronto Blue Jays: Should They Renew Interest in Boone Logan?
By Paul Taylor
With the Toronto Blue Jays still searching for a left-handed reliever, is it a good idea to take another look at Boone Logan?
It doesn’t seem too long ago since the MLB season finished. And yet here we are, just over a month away from pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training.
In that respect, the Toronto Blue Jays still have several holes to fill in their roster. This includes finding a left-handed pitcher to replace the departed Brett Cecil.
The question is, who? Recent speculation has seen the Blue Jays linked to the likes of Jerry Blevins and Travis Wood.
However, another potential candidate being mentioned is Boone Logan. This is particularly interesting, given that the Blue Jays previously discussed trading for him, ahead of last season’s trade deadline.
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Of course, the big difference now is the Jays wouldn’t have to give up any pieces to acquire Logan, now that he is a free agent. Regardless, is he worthy of being reconsidered?
On the surface at least, the answer would appear to be a resounding yes, after he recorded a career-low 1.014 WHIP during the 2016 campaign. Throw in a 3.69 ERA and 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings, and you get an idea of what the 32-year could bring to Toronto.
If we turn to Logan’s pitching style, his sidearm delivery only makes him more appealing. He’s especially effective against left-handed hitters, but he can more than hold his own against right-handers.
Looking at the former 20th round draft pick’s pitching repertoire, he primarily uses an 84 mph slider and a 94 mph fourseam fastball. His slider is particularly enticing, given that it generates a high number of swings and misses compared to other pitchers.
It’s worth noting Logan does also mix in a 94 mph sinker fairly regularly, which results in a high rate of groundballs. Taking everything into account, he could prove to be exactly what the Blue Jays are looking for, to boost their bullpen.
Of course, there will be competition from other teams, with the likes of the Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees speculated to have an interest. And while the San Antonio, Texas native is still available, the Blue Jays will have to act quickly, with February 14th fast approaching.
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What’s your verdict on Logan? Taking all the available information into account, would you like to see the Blue Jays sign him or are you against such a move, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.