Toronto Blue Jays: Can Mat Latos Turn Back the Clock?
By Paul Taylor
Mat Latos won’t be on the Toronto Blue Jays’ Opening Day roster, but what does the future hold for the veteran pitcher?
Hopes were high, when the Toronto Blue Jays signed Mat Latos to a minor-league contract in February. Despite two consecutive subpar seasons, there was a genuine belief he could revert to his pre-2015 form.
The thinking was that Latos could provide depth for the rotation. Entering the 2017 season, he had a record of 71-58 in 186 starts, while registering a 3.60 ERA.
Unfortunately for both the player and the team, things have not quite worked out as planned. The 29-year old pitched 14.2 innings during spring training, producing a disappointing 6.75 ERA.
As a result, Latos has being informed he will not be on the Blue Jays’ Opening Day roster. As reported by Sportsnet‘s Mike Wilner, it is now up to him to decide between accepting an assignment to Triple-A Buffalo or becoming a free agent.
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Understandably, the Blue Jays will wish the Alexandria, Virginia native all the best, if he does opt for free agency. However, it is still hoped he will go to Buffalo, despite his poor showing in Dunedin.
While not as prominent, the optimism is still there for Latos to turn back the clock, albeit not all the way to 2010, when he received Cy Young votes. Even if he doesn’t end up starting in the Majors for the Blue Jays, he could still prove to be a useful arm out of the bullpen.
Of course, from the right-hander’s point of view, any decision about his future will be influenced by if he feels he will get a better opportunity with anyone else. Money will understandably also play a significant role.
As previously reported by Sportsnet‘s Ben Nicholson-Smith, Latos’ deal with the Blue Jays will pay him $1.5 million, assuming he plays in the Majors. In addition, up to $500,000 more is available in incentives.
Whatever he decides, the eight-year veteran’s fastball will be key to reproducing his previous form. As Nicholson-Smith noted, his average velocity was just 90.2 mph during 2016, a drop of four mph from his career high in 2009.
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What do you think the future holds for Latos? Would you like to see him accept an assignment to Buffalo and battle for a place on the Blue Jays’ roster, or are you fine if he decides to become a free agent? Share your thoughts in the comments section.