Now that the World Series is over, as tear-inducing as it was, the off-season starts, and off-season things happen.
The morning after the World Series is decided, players can file for free agency. For four
days, they can only negotiate with their current team, then, on the fifth day, God (or the commissioner) lets them negotiate with anyone.
The Jays have seven potential free agents:
- Chris Bassitt. He’s 36 (37 in February) and now earns $21 million per season. I don’t know what the Jays are thinking, but he’ll be getting a short contract, considering his age. I’d be good with keeping him.
- Max Scherzer. He’s 41. He made $15.5 million this year. I’m taking it for granted that he’ll retire and start the countdown to his Hall of Fame vote.
- Shane Bieber. He’s 30. He has a $16 million player option, which I’d guess he’ll turn down. But he might take a short-term contract to build up his value. Maybe two or three years, with opt-outs?
- Bo Bichette. He’s 27 (turns 28 in March). He’s in an interesting spot. I think he’s more valuable as a second baseman, but if he wants to play short, I’m sure some teams would let him. He certainly hasn’t hurt his value this season. He’ll be looking for a long term deal.
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa He 30 (turns 31 in March). He’s making $7.5 million this year. I’d imagine a team who don’t expect to be in the playoff race will sign him and hope to move him at the deadline.
- Seranthony Dominguez. He’s 30 (turns 31 in November). He’s making $3.625 million. I’d like the team to keep him.
- Ty France. He’s 31. He made $1.0 million this year. I don’t see why the Jays would want to keep him.
The Qualifying Offer will be $22.025 million. Bo Bichette will get, and reject the QO. Shane Bieber and Chris Bassitt aren’t eligible for it.
November 2nd:
Gold Glove announcements are made. Jays who are finalists: Alejandro Kirk (C), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B), Ty France (1B), Andres Gimenez (2B) & Ernie Clement (3B). Ernie Clement is also a finalist for the Utility Man Gold Glove. It would be fun if he won both.
November 10-13:
The GM meetings happen. Not much will come out of that.
November 13th:
They are doing an ’Awards Show’ from Vegas, with speeches and everything.
November 18:
4:00 Eastern is the deadline for players to accept or reject Qualifying Offers. And teams have to set their rosters to protect players from the Rule 5 draft.
There are a few players that the Jays will have to decide whether to protect from the Rule 5 draft: Ricky Tiedemann, Riley Tirotta, Yohendrick Pinago, Josh Kasevich, Victor Arias, Brandon Valenzuela and Yondrei Rojas
November 21:
Non-tender deadline.
The Jays have a few non-tender possibilities: Ryan Burr, Dillon Tate, Nick Sandlin (maybe?). Tyler Heineman, Ernie Clement, Eric Lauer and Daulton Varsho are also arbitration eligible.
December 8-11:
MLB Winter Meetings, which is when the Draft Lottery will happen and the Rule 5 Draft.
