Toronto Blue Jays: David Phelps has it all to prove

David Phelps is an intriguing addition for the Toronto Blue Jays, although he has a lot to do to show he can be an effective member of the bullpen.

There had been speculation and reports during the last couple of days, that David Phelps was headed to Southern Ontario. It was finally made official on Saturday, when the Toronto Blue Jays officially announced his signing.

Phelps has agreed a deal for one year, with a club option for 2020. He is guaranteed $2.5 million this coming season, but what is intriguing is how the rest of his contract is broken down.

As per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the 32-year-old’s 2020 club option is dependent on how many games he plays this year. He will receive $1 million if he appears in fewer than 30 games, but it rises to $3 million if he plays between 30 and 39.

Phelps will earn $5 million if he plays between 40 and 49 games, going up to $7 million if he appears in more than 50 and finishes fewer than 40. Finally, he will receive $8 million if he plays more than 50 games and finishes more than 40.

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The righty will also receive incentives during the upcoming season, once more based on how many appearances he makes. Again, as per Rosenthal, the information can be found here and here.

This is all important to note, because it ties in to how much Phelps has to prove during the 2019 campaign. He missed all of last season, after suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow in late March, resulting in Tommy John surgery.

However, as much as the St. Louis, Missouri native has to prove, the potential is definitely there for him to become an integral veteran presence in the Blue Jays’ bullpen. He does also have experience as a starter from earlier in his Major League career, but his value will come as a reliever.

Phelps’ best year arguably came in 2016, when he was a member of the Miami Marlins. He set career-bests for ERA (2.28), WHIP (1.142) and strikeouts per nine innings (11.8) in 64 games (86.2 innings pitched).

The former New York Yankees’ last healthy season in 2017 was pretty efficient as well. He finished with a 3.40 ERA and 10.0 strikeout per nine innings, pitching 55.2 innings in 54 total appearance for the Marlins and Seattle Mariners.

Phelps will be helped in his return from injury, by an array of pitches which he can turn to. As per his pitching repertoire on Brooks Baseball, he mostly relies on a four-seam fastball (95 mph) and cutter (91 mph).

The 2008 14th round draft pick also mixes in a curve using a knuckle curve grip (82 mph) and sinker (94 mph). His curve is extremely effective, as it results in a much high number of groundballs compared to other players who use the pitch.

Overall, there is a lot to like about this signing by the Blue Jays, which can be best summarized as a low risk, high reward move. If Phelps is successful, the team will gladly pay him his incentives, but if he fails, the cost will be nominal.

What is your take on the addition of Phelps? How optimistic are you, that he will be a useful addition to the Toronto Blue Jays’ bullpen? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.