7 players Toronto Blue Jays should target with the lockout over

Is Freddie Freeman going to be too expensive for the Toronto Blue Jays?

There was some surprise that Freddie Freeman was allowed to test the open market and he’ll likely have many suitors.

MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are interested in the slugger which would be a problem for the Blue Jays. The last you want to see is a division rival like the Yankees or Rays add a significant bat to their lineup considering Toronto struggled against both teams last season

For the Blue Jays, this would provide a proven left-handed bat to the lineup which is something the team lacks. He is also a strong defender at first base and a platoon option with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The real question is whether it’s worth going big-game hinting for a 1B/DH when there are more important positions to address? There would be a lot of excitement to bring in a player like Freeman considering the depth of the Blue Jays lineup.

In 159 games last season, Freeman hit .300 with 31 homers, 83 RBI and a .896 OPS. It was also reported that the Atlanta Braves offered their slugger a five-year, $135-million deal before the lockout but he was looking for at least a six-year, $180-million contract.

If that is the number Freeman wants, the Blue Jays likely won’t go anywhere close to that and could find a lefty bat who won’t break the bank like Freeman would.