Toronto Blue Jays: John Axford is the right fit during rebuild

John Axford would like to return to the Toronto Blue Jays and he would make for a good addition during a period of transition for the franchise.

It’s been a busy few days for the Toronto Blue Jays, with the trade of Russell Martin and resolving matters with their arbitration-eligible players. The team also announced the signing of pitcher David Phelps on Saturday.

The move to bring in Phelps is symptomatic of the Blue Jays’ path during these next two/three seasons. As a low risk/high reward addition, he is ideal for the rebuild.

In this respect, there is another player who could fit the bill during this rebuild. As originally reported by Sportsnet‘s Ben Nicholson-Smith, John Axford wants to return to Toronto and plans to speak to the front office.

Axford told Nicholson-Smith he feels strong physically. He also believes he would serve as a good mentor to the younger pitchers.

More from Toronto Blue Jays

• Blue Jays avoid disaster as Kevin Gausman injury not serious
• Blue Jays interested in outfielder Andrew Benintendi
• Blue Jays hope fresh start for Sergio Romo boosts bullpen
• Blue Jays need to have a break from Yusei Kikuchi
• Blue Jays: Nate Pearson suffers yet another setback

There would be the added benefit of the Simcoe, Ontario native being closer to his family. No matter where he has played during his 10-year Major League career, he returns home as often as possible.

In order for the Blue Jays to make a decision on whether to sign Axford, they have the benefit of familiarity with the player. He pitched for the Blue Jays during the 2018 season, before being moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline.

The 35-year-old was having a decent enough season in Toronto before the trade. He went 4-1 in 45 appearances (including the only start of his career), while recording a 4.41 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 51 innings.

As per Bill Shaikan of the Los Angeles Times, Axford was particularly effective against left-handed batters during his time with the Blue Jays, holding them to a .147 average. He also had an intriguing groundball rate of 54.6 percent.

For his career, the righty has a 38-34 record in 543 games, with an ERA of 3.87. He has consistently enjoyed success with strikeouts, averaging 10.1 per nine innings during his 10 years in the Majors.

As per his pitching repertoire, Axford mostly relies on a 96 mph sinker. However, he also mixes in a 80 mph curve, 96 mph four-seam fastball and 93 mph cutter.

The free agent’s cutter is particularly deadly; it generates an extremely high number of swings and misses compared to other pitchers’ cutters. At 6 foot 5, his height also gives him an advantage in respect of his pitching style.

Axford made $1.5 million during the 2018 campaign. Assuming the Blue Jays are interested, they should be able to sign him to a team-friendly deal which includes incentives, as they did with Phelps.

Overall, there is a lot to like about bringing the 2011 National League saves leader back to Toronto. If the Blue Jays are smart — again taking into account that they are now in a major rebuild — then they will do just this.

What is your opinion of Axford? Would you like to see him back in Southern Ontario? Do you believe he would be a good fit with the Toronto Blue Jays? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.