Breaking: Snatch and Grab: Blue Jays Told to Sign Rival’s Star for $24M Deal
The Toronto Blue Jays didn’t have a good 2024 season, but they could get right back into contention in the American League in 2025 with a few key pickups.
Toronto needs to add a boost to the infield this winter. The first base and shortstop spots could be good to go unless Toronto pulls off a blockbuster trade. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are set to start for the club at first base and shortstop in 2025 unless either gets traded. Guerrero saw some time at third base in 2024 as well, but it’s still more likely that he will be at first base unless Toronto goes out and signs someone else.
There will be options out there in free agency to bolster the second base or third base spots, with second being a big one to watch for. Because of this, The Athletics’ Jim Bowden had the Blue Jays on his list of “best team fits” to sign Tampa Bay Rays All-Star Brandon Lowe with a contract predicted to be two years, $24 million.
“Brandon Lowe is another player who just can’t stay off the injured list; he’s played more than 110 games just once in his seven-year career and has averaged 108 games over the last two years,” Bowden said. “However, his power has been consistent during that span as he hit 21 homers in both years. He’s only 30, and if he can stay healthy, his power plays, as it did in 2021 when he hit 39 home runs. He finished in the top 10 in AL MVP voting in 2020 and 2021, so there’s no denying his potential.
“Tampa Bay holds a $10.5 million team option for 2025 ($1 million buyout) and an $11.5 million option ($500,000 buyout) for 2026. The Rays could certainly pick up the option, but if they don’t, Lowe could be a smart, high-risk, high-reward type signing this winter…Best team fits: Rays, (New York Yankees), (Seattle Mariners), (Chicago White Sox), Blue Jays…Contract prediction: two years, $24 million.”
If he ends up being available, this is the type of deal that could help improve the Blue Jays’ offense without breaking the bank.
