Toronto Blue Jays make necessary choice releasing Chase Anderson
The Toronto Blue Jays decided to bring back Rafael Dolis and cut bait with Chase Anderson as they approach another critical off-season.
As MLB teams prepare for a difficult off-season with the uncertainty of COVID-19, the Toronto Blue Jays have made a couple of moves to prepare themselves.
Chase Anderson had his $9.5-million club option declined for the 2021 season which means that Toronto opted for a $500,000 buyout of his deal, according to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith. On top of that, the team is also bringing back Rafael Dolis after picking up his $1.5 million option.
More from Tip of the Tower
- Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
- Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
- Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
- Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
- Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith
Bringing back Dolis was a no-brainer considering he found a way to be a useful reliever in high leverage situations. Considering the amount of turnover the bullpen will likely see this off-season, having some continuity isn’t the worst thing.
Unfortunately for Anderson, injuries impacted his season as he only pitched in 33.2 innings and posted a 7.22 ERA. Considering the Blue Jays were counting on him to bring some veteran stability in the rotation, it was an easy choice to exercise the buyout rather than hoping he would bounce back.
We explained why bringing back Taijuan Walker would be worth it for the Blue Jays and clearing out close to $9 million would make it easier depending on if the team has other players they want to consider. This will be critical for teams looking to move players because of salary problems that Toronto can take advantage of.
They have tried to find bargains through trades and free agency and even tried to give Nate Pearson his chance in the rotation. Walker, Matt Shoemaker and Robbie Ray are likely heading for free agency leaving only Hyun-Jin Ryu, Tanner Roark and Ross Stripling signed but there’s no doubting the impact a high-end free-agent starter can provide.
Some of the targets our fellow contributor Trevor Popoff suggested include Trevor Bauer, who won’t have a shortage of suitors, along with Canadian James Paxton. Getting Ryu last season should show that this front office isn’t afraid to go after a bigger name but that shouldn’t just mean free agency.
How do you think the Blue Jays should address the starting rotation? Was it the right move to decline Anderson’s option? Let us know in the comments below.