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Toronto Blue Jays: Jaime Garcia physical much ado about nothing

By Paul Taylor

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 30: Jaime Garcia #57 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts with a new ball after giving up a two-run rbi double to Jonathan Lucroy #21 of the Oakland Athletics in the bottom of the eighth inning at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on July 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Athletics won the game 10-1. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JULY 30: Jaime Garcia #57 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts with a new ball after giving up a two-run rbi double to Jonathan Lucroy #21 of the Oakland Athletics in the bottom of the eighth inning at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on July 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Athletics won the game 10-1. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly only signed Jaime Garcia after he failed a physical with another team, but in the grand scheme of things, does it really matter?

When the Toronto Blue Jays signed Jaime Garcia to a one-year deal ahead of the 2018 campaign, it was seen by most people as a good move. After all, the Jays were getting a solid pitcher who was more than qualified for the fifth spot in the rotation.

Unfortunately for everyone concerned, in keeping with the narrative of this season, things did not go as planned. As of today, Garcia is on course for his worst year in the Majors, with career-highs in ERA, walks per nine innings, FIP and WHIP.

In addition, the 32-year-old has struggled with injuries, which have undoubtedly impacted his production. However, it turns out that his durability was always going to be a risk this year.

As per Bob Elliot, the Blue Jays were only in a position to sign Garcia, after he failed a physical with another club. Unsurprisingly, this leaves the Jays open to questions and criticism.

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Why did Toronto take a gamble on a player who had failed a physical? Did Garcia undertake another physical with the Blue Jays, and if so, did he pass it?

In truth though, it doesn’t really matter. And not just because Elliot chose to come out with this news now, with the regular season well into August.

Yes, the Blue Jays took a risk with Garcia, but it was a worthwhile one based on the player’s past production. The failed physical also put the club in a better position when signing him.

The Blue Jays were able to agree a team-friendly, one-year deal for just $8 million. (The season before, his salary was $12 million.) In addition, they applied a club option for 2019 worth $10 million, with a $2 million buyout.

Ultimately, the move did not work out as hoped for the Blue Jays, but you can more than understand why the club chose to take a chance on Garcia. Any criticism at this stage, is only possible with the benefit of hindsight.

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What’s your take on the Garcia situation? Is it a big issue to you, or does it not really matter? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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