Guardians a team to watch. Deep farm system (No. 8 in @keithlaw’s rankings), as well as some financial flexibility. Exploring high-end and mid-level bats (OF, 1B) as well as bullpen help, with preference for multi-year control. Among teams in mix for Athletics 1B Matt Olson.
The Blue Jays are Looking to Sign Freddie Freeman + more!
Mar 14, 2022, 19:02 EDTUpdated: Mar 14, 2022, 19:09 EDT
Remember before the Josh Donaldson trade last night, how all of us were upset there was no movement? Jokes on us. We’ll start with the least likely transactions and end with the most likely transaction, and yes, Freeman is included in this article.
Looks like Jose Ramirez won’t be traded after all:
As much as this sucks, I’m not surprised in the slightest. The Guardians have a bunch of available payroll with a pretty darn good farm system. Not just that, but Ramirez is signed for the next two years on a team friendly contract. With the expanded playoffs, Cleveland has an opportunity to make it, especially in the weak AL Central division.
If the season goes array for the Guardians, it’s possible that Ramirez is shopped around at the deadline. If that’s the case, expect the Jays to pursue him.
Matt Chapman:
I don’t know what to make of this situation. It’s clear that the Athletics are shedding payroll, but they had an absolute haul for 27-year-old first baseman, Matt Olson. If the A’s expect this for Matt Chapman, who has declined significantly in the past two seasons, it may scare off teams. I wrote about Chapman here.
Carlos Correa:
Starting with the news that is slightly less realistic. Michael Boboa noted that the Blue Jays were looking into shortstop Carlos Correa. Now you may be asking, who is this Michael Boboa and why is he credible with only 482 followers?
SOURCE: Blue Jays agree to deal with Kevin Gausman. Deal is expected to be around 5 years 100 million AAV. Deal is pending Medicals. #BlueJays get one of the big fish on the market after losing out on Matz late last night.
As you can see, Boboa dropped a “Boboa Bomb” on the Jays signing Kevin Gausman before anyone else. Now, he was incorrect about the salary, but he was the first to report it. When Boboa drops his bombs, we listen to him. He also noted this interesting little nugget.
I would like to also note another key part of Correa’s free agency decision. Carlos and George Springer’s close relationship is no secret, but during his time in Houston, Carlos was seen as a “mentor” to 2021 All-Star Teoscar Hernandez according to a source. Something to note.
Freddie Freeman:
Let’s be real, you want Freddie Freeman content. I’d say the likelihood of the 32-year-old first baseman signing with the Jays is around 90%. We all know that his parents are Canadian, but why do I think there’s a great chance they will get him.
Baerga bomb? (Translated via Instagram)
Former MLB player, Carlos Baerga has reported that the Jays will be signing Freddie Freeman as soon as today. If it’s not Passan (or Boboa), I’m usually pretty skeptical. However, if you remember pre-lockout, it was Baerga that leaked that the Jays were looking into Freeman. It’s highly probable that Baerga has a source who’s very close to the first baseman.
In his comment section, Lourdes Gurriel responded with a shushing emoji. Does this mean something? Probably, but who knows. Not just that, but Vladimir Guerrero Jr also liked the post
Gurriel’s reaction to Baerga’s post of Freddie to Toronto! 👀👀#BlueJays
First Gurriel Jr commenting, now Vlad Jr liking the Freeman to Jays post🤫
Want more sources? He’s a Yankee broadcast apparently saying that Freeman is heading to Toronto. However, this should be taken with a grain of salt as it’s from Reddit.
Jon Morosi also confirmed that the Jays at least have some interest in the 32-year-old first baseman.
The #BlueJays have had conversations with Freddie Freeman’s camp and conveyed serious interest as his free agent decision nears, sources confirm. Freeman is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada and played for Canada at the ‘17 WBC. @MLBNetwork @Sportsnet @FAN590
If the Jays do sign Freeman, expect an article detailing how this would work within the hour of the announcement.
Kyle Schwarber:
I woke up to a notification that the Blue Jays were heavily interested in 29-year-old Kyle Schwarber. https://www.thescore.com/news/2316563 Even if the Jays don’t sign Freddie Freeman or Carlos Correa, Schwarber would be a fantastic get for the Jays. I think this is the most likely signing for the Jays, but it’s possible that they will attempt to sign both Schwarber and Freeman, according to Shi Davidi.
"I've heard maybe there's even a scenario where they try to find a way to get both guys, even though that would involve some other roster juggling." Shi, on Schwarber and Freeman Please note he doesn't seem to have heard a significant Freeman update today.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter @Brennan_L_D. You can bet on me to start writing about any new signings the instant they happen. I believe something will happen tonight, so stay tuned.
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