Sorry, there was nothing posted yesterday. We hit the day between Christmas and New Year’s when friends and I had finished family time and had a friend’s time, which was very nice. And I tasted what I was told was Turkish whiskey, but as it was home-made (brought to Canada in a plastic Coke bottle), I’d call it moonshine. It was strong, and the first taste was a shock to the system, but it wasn’t bad. Not saying that it is something I’d want to have in my cupboard, but it didn’t make me blind.
And,
let’s face it, we are at the point of the off-season where there is no news and no rumours. The closest to a rumour is that Kazuma Okamoto has to sign with someone by January 4th, or he’ll be playing in Japan. The Jays have spoken with his representatives and will be among the teams to meet with him. I very much doubt they will really be in on him. My understanding is that he is a corner infielder who really can’t play third well enough for the Jays to plan to use him there for the next several years. He has power, hitting .327/.416/.598 with 15 homers in 69 games last year, missing time with a knee injury.
Beyond that, writer Francys Romero suggested that the Jays are interested in Yoán Moncada. He hit .234/.336/.448 with 12 home runs in 84 games with the Angels in 2025. Adding in his less than awesome defense, I’m pretty sure the team would rather roll with Ernie Clement and/or Addison Barger at the position.
The team is still interested in Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker.
I’ve always thought the Bo was going to listen to all offers and then go back to the Jays to see if they would match the best offer. That’s what I’d do if I were him (and if I wanted to continue to play for the Jays).
Bregman seems like a long shot to me. If I had to bet, I’d put money on him returning to the Red Sox.
Tucker? Well, if he wants to be a Blue Jay, I think the team would be willing to play what it takes to get him. It messes up their outfield somewhat, but, as much as I like Nathan Lukes, I’d take Tucker and see what I could get in trade for Lukes (I’m assuming not all that much, but a bullpen arm or prospect would work).
Beyond the Jays….
- Zach Eflin re-signed with the Orioles. He might miss the first few days of the season after back surgery this winter. Their rotation will be Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz and Dean Kremer, with Eflin.
- The A’s, breaking with their norm, have signed Tyler Soderstrom to a seven-year, $86 million contract. There is a team option for an extra year and incentives. If he’s with the team for seven years, he may see the A’s break ground on the stadium in Las Vegas.
Devon White turned 63 yesterday. I figured I’d have time to put something up about it, but the day got away from me. He’s the best defensive outfielder I’ve ever watched (though Varsho is pretty close). Five of his 17 seasons and 22.3 of his career 47.3 bWAR were with the Jays.
He was a one-and-done in Hall of Fame voting. I’d guess that if he were on the ballot now, he’d get some votes. Maybe enough to get on the ballot for a second time.
Hopefully, we’ll get some real news or even real rumours soon. I hate this time of the off-season when news dries up. What we should do is turn the site into an Aussie Rules Football site for December.
