Free Agent Target: Alex Avlla

Last season the Blue Jays played 5 different catchers: Russell Martin, Jarrot Saltalamacchia, Miguel Montero, Luke Maille and Raffy Lopez. It is imperative that the Blue Jays have a reliable backup catcher. Russell Martin will turn 35 years old next year. While he will still play most of the games, the Jays backup catcher can be expected to play 50-100 games depending on if Martin is healthy. The catcher is such an important position because the pitcher relies on the catcher to call the right pitch and to help him when he needs it. Alex Avila would be a good backup catcher for the Jays to target

Why the Jays should sign Alex Avila

Defense

Two big issue the Blue Jays had last season was throwing out base runners and wild pitches. Avila has proven to be capable in both categories. Last season he allowed 5 passed balls and 16 wild pitches. He threw out 31% of the runners who tried to steal on him. A lot factors into being able to throw out a base runner from pitch selection to said pitch being executed properly. Also, how fast a pitcher is to the plate can create problems throwing out base runners.

Cost

Alex Avila made $2M this past season and with a raise the Blue Jays can get him for around 8-10M. For a backup catcher that is a reasonable price on such an important position.

Experience

As mentioned above, the Blue Jays backup catcher will be expected to play at least 50 games this season. Avila has been in the league for nine seasons whereas Luke Maile has 2 seasons where he's been with the Major league club full time. Raffy Lopez will be entering just his second full season as catcher.

Cons of signing him

Best days behind him?

Statistically, Alex Avila had his best year in 2014 when he led the AL in throwing out base runners (36) and double plays turned as a catcher (9). He also ranked 4th in putouts by a catcher (883). Offensively, his numbers last year were slightly better than would be expected based on previous seasons. Avila has never been a big power hitter and he will strike out about a third of the time. However, Avila also drew a respectable 62 walks.

The Blue Jays are at a critical point in their contending window and perhaps it might be better to have a veteran presence backing up Russell Martin. I'm not saying that Maile or Lopez aren't capable of being Martin's backup. I just think the time is now to win the World Series.

Free Agent Target: Lorenzo Cain

The World Series is over and it is time to shift focus on the offseason. This will be the first in a series of posts on free agents I think the Blue Jays should target. Toronto does not have a need at every position, so I will be focusing on where the Jays should add. Today I start with Lorenzo Cain of the Royals

Pros of signing Lorenzo Cain

Speed kills

Lorenzo Cain has the ability to steal bases and get on base. Far too often this season, the Jays were trying to hit the long ball. With Lorenzo Cain at the top of the lineup, the Blue Jays can use the hit and run or score multiple runs on a HR. I would use whoever is hottest between Pillar and Cain at the top of the lineup and put the other player in the 9th hole. This way there will be speed at the top and bottom of the lineup.

Defense

Cain is a great defender. He committed just 7 errors all of last season. He also has a strong arm.  Lorenzo Cain has a strong chance to win his first gold glove this season. He committed the 3rd fewest errors in the AL  (7), had the most putouts as a CF (430) and was 5th in the AL in outfield assists (5). I see him replacing Joey Bats in RF on most nights and when Kevin Pillar needs a rest, he can shift to CF.

Durability

Cain played 155 games last season and 2 seasons before that he appeared in 133 games. Given the Jays luck with injuries, it is important to target free agents with few injuries in the past. Injuries will happen and I'm not saying that Cain might not get injured if the Jays signed him but history suggests that is less likely.


Cons of signing Lorenzo Cain

Strikeouts

Historically, Lorenzo Cain has a high strike out rate. In 2017, Cain struck out 100 times in 584 AB. For a player who would likely be batting leadoff if the Jays were to sign him, this is not a good thing. You want your lead-off hitter to get on base most of the time.

Price it will take to sign him

Last season, Lorenzo Cain made $11M. Given who else is on the market and the needs of other teams it is likely the Jays will have to offer him a minimum of $20M. Bautista signed for $18M last season and Joeybats wasn't exactly in high demand.

Is Cain worth the price when you already have Pillar in CF and potentially minor leaguers such as Toescar Hernandez who could make the roster with a strong spring training? To me, it's worth the risk. Provided Cain is willing to accept a position change, having him at the top of the order will provide more opportunities for bigger innings. Also, having two speedy outfielders with strong arms can really limit the extra bases the Jays give up and help pitchers get out of trouble faster.

What do you think? Please comment below

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