Toronto Blue Jays betting on potential with Tyler Chatwood
As the Toronto Blue Jays continue to address holes in the roster, many are waiting for a big splash that hasn’t happened yet.
On Monday, the Blue Jays signed Tyler Chatwood to a one-year, $3 million deal and while it is a low-risk, high-potential move, fans are definitely looking for a bit more. It’s totally understandable that at a time where there continues to be chatter around players like George Springer, Trevor Bauer and J.T. Realmuto, signing Chatwood doesn’t bring the same level of excitement.
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Let’s remember that this front office has been relatively successful at finding low-cost relievers that have been able to deliver in big moments. That’s certainly what they are probably hoping Chatwood can do.
There is also the report that Toronto is close to a deal with Kirby Yates and if they are able to complete that deal, the team’s bullpen should be in better shape. Of course, that all has to do with the work that Pete Walker is going to have to do with two players who struggled in 2020.
Chatwood is known for generating swings and misses with his high spin rate as Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling writes and could be an option in the rotation. However, it seems like the best place for him might be the bullpen because he can focus on being effective over an inning or two rather than five or six.
This is why many are looking for the Blue Jays to do more to address a rotation that struggled to cover innings. Part of that had to do with injuries but also a lack of dependable arms that have the reputation to be workhorses considering Hyun-Jin Ryu and Tanner Roark were the innings leaders.
There were surprises last season when you look at the way Thomas Hatch, Anthony Kay ate significant innings when Matt Shoemaker, Chase Anderson and Nate Pearson missed time with injuries. Adding Taijuan Walker showed what can happen when a dependable starter can take some pressure off the bullpen and he would be an intriguing option to bring back.
We know the Blue Jays will likely be creative with how they use their rotation and whether there is an opportunity for some players to push their way back into the conversation. What can’t be overlooked though is the need to add an elite arm behind Ryu who proved he can be the ace of the staff.
Adding Chatwood doesn’t solve that but at least it lets fans know that they aren’t just sleeping while everyone else is making moves.
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What do you think about the Chatwood signing? Where should they be looking to focus on next? Let us know in the comments below.