Toronto Blue Jays should stay away from Jarrod Dyson

Sportsnet have asked if Jarrod Dyson makes sense for the Toronto Blue Jays? As far as we’re concerned, the answer is an emphatic no!

The Toronto Blue Jays have a lot of work to do between now and the beginning of spring training, if they are to return to the prominence they enjoyed in 2015 and 2016. No doubt they will be linked with numerous players, whether they have any intention of pursuing them or not.

In this respect, Sportsnet are performing their due diligence, by considering several potential targets. One such player is Jarrod Dyson, with Ben Nicholson-Smith asking if he makes sense for the Blue Jays?

Of course, answering a question such as this is rarely straightforward, or black and white. Regardless, after careful consideration, it is our humble opinion the Toronto Blue Jays should stay away from Dyson.

We understand a lot of people out there will wholeheartedly disagree with this verdict. After all, we’re talking about someone who is extremely fast and an excellent defender.

As such, we thought we should at least explain our position, for a player who is currently a free agent. And it starts with Dyson’s durability, or lack thereof.

We appreciate that professional athletes can’t help getting injured. And yet — fair or not — it is extremely important to consider this aspect in any decision which can affect a team.

In the case of Dyson, he has struggled with staying healthy since becoming a regular starter during the 2012 season. Over the course of the last six years, he has missed 355 of a possible 972 games, which equates to 36.5 percent.

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Now factor in Dyson’s age of 33 and there is little reason to believe his durability will improve. And as Nicholson-Smith notes, his advancing age will likely also compromise the speed which is so integral to his success.

Another aspect which factors significantly in any decision to pursue the former Kansas City Royal, is his batting production. With totals of just 12 home runs and 131 RBI in 661 career games, he just isn’t strong — or even average — in this area.

We should stress none of this is meant to be a criticism per se, when it comes to Dyson. Further, if the Blue Jays did decide to sign him, you can certainly understand the reasons why.

However, when it comes to looking to both the short and long-term the future, the Toronto Blue Jays have plenty of other options they should consider first, in their search to add depth to their outfield. In terms of Dyson, the negatives outweigh the positives.

Next: Jays take a gamble on Aledmys Diaz

What’s your position on Dyson? Would you like to see the Toronto Blue Jays sign him or not, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.