Toronto Blue Jays: Freddie Freeman, Kyle Schwarber rumours heating up
It appears the Toronto Blue Jays might not be done making moves as they continue to be linked to free agents Freddie Freeman and Kyle Schwarber.
When the MLB lockout ended, there has been a steady stream of moves with the Toronto Blue Jays landing another starting pitcher in Yusei Kikuchi but that signing might get potentially overshadowed.
The rumours started when former MLB player Carlos Baerga said that Freddie Freeman would be signing with the Blue Jays in an Instagram post. Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi added more details saying that Toronto has shown interest in Freeman all off-season but he’s not the only player on the team’s radar.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the team has been looking at Kyle Schwarber who like Freeman, would provide the team with a left-handed bat that can play first base and in the outfield. With the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox, the 29-year-old slashed .266/.374/.554 with 32 home runs, 19 doubles and 71 RBI playing in 113 games.
If the Blue Jays were to bring in either player, this would likely be a split first base/designated platoon situation with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. At the same time, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reported at the Blue Jays’ spring training camp has noticed that Guerrero Jr. has been taking reps at third base in what the team shot down as just a way to get him to focus on his footwork and stretching out his arm.
This could also be the team’s chance to see if they can have Guerrero Jr. play some games at third base if they decide to bring in either Freeman or Schwarber. There’s no doubting Freeman’s credentials after he slashed .300/.393/.503 with 31 home runs and 85 RBI in 159 games but he offers less flexibility as he only plays first base but has better offensive numbers.
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Is this the right move for the Toronto Blue Jays given other roster needs?
To add one of Freeman or Schwarber would only make a lineup that has quality batters even more dangerous. The team also has other needs to think about especially at third base where they don’t have an everyday player, the team might want to rethink how much money they throw at another 1B/DH.
If signing one of Freeman or Schwarber doesn’t take them out of a position to trade for a third baseman, then that is fine. Getting Freeman to join up will also excite fans more given both of his parents are from Ontario.
When the cost to sign both players is just the money to get a deal done, that is certainly more enticing than having to give up assets to address their roster needs. Although, if a player like Jose Ramirez is still an option, then maybe the team can figure out how to make both moves work.
Only time will tell what the Blue Jays decide to do but a season where there is a lot of excitement could get even more interesting if all the dominos line up.
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What are your thoughts on Freeman and Schwarber being targeted by the Blue Jays? Is it the right move to make? Let us know in the comments below.