Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff gets clearer after signing Shoemaker, Giles

The Toronto Blue Jays avoided arbitration cases with Matt Shoemaker and Ken Giles, providing some clarity going into this season.

With the Toronto Blue Jays getting one-year deals done with Ken Giles and Matt Shoemaker, they completed some necessary business while leaving some questions going forward.

Shoemaker’s deal should signify an eventual return to the starting rotation as long as the torn ligament in his knee is healed. Giles should be back in the bullpen as the team’s closer after performing at an elite level.

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Not only did Giles pitch to a 1.87 ERA, and pick up 23 saves he was also the 10th most valuable reliever fWAR, with a 1.8 mark according to Scott Mitchell of TSN.

After signing Hyun-Jin Ryu, the Blue Jays made it clear that they don’t plan to sit still this season, rather they want to see if this current group can push forward. Of course, there is still work to be done to get this team to a competitive level.

One thing you can say at least, the team is trying to learn from their mistakes last season and trying to have more depth considering their injury problems the past few seasons. Every MLB wishes to have adequate pitching depth but that’s not always possible unless a team has enough options in the minors.

This is what the Blue Jays are hoping to do adding Ryu, Tanner Roark, and Chase Anderson in the off-season. Adding these veteran arms means that Trent Thornton, Ryan Borucki and Anthony Kay can battle for the final rotation spot while the rest can continue to get stars with the Bisons.

With Giles and Shoemaker in the final year of control, the Blue Jays will have to make a choice on what they will plan to do with both especially Giles who can prove to be valuable when the team needs a closer in the playoffs.

Shoemaker was off to a great start to the season before his injury and if he can try to reclaim that form, he’s another pitcher that will give the Blue Jays something to think about if their prospects still need time.

What do you make of the Blue Jays off-season moves? What do you think they should try to do? Let us know in the comments below.