Blue Jays Rumors: Team Eyeing 5 Free Agents For DH Job
The Toronto Blue Jays aren't giving up the fight just yet this offseason. They lost out on Shohei Ohtani and on Juan Soto. But they do still need a big bruising bat, particularly for the DH spot, and maybe even to play a bit in the field here and there.
According to various Sportsnet reports, they have their irons in the fire for no less than 5 free agents to fill that DH job that's been vacated by Brandon Belt:
Rhys Hoskins
A first baseman/DH type, Hoskins missed all of the 2023 season, but buyers are well aware of what he brings to the table when healthy: Long balls. In his four full seasons in the majors, he's blasted 30+ HR twice, and come close the other two times.
Justin Turner
The former longtime LA Dodger had a great season with the Boston Red Sox, driving in a career-high 96 runs with 23 homers and an .800 OPS. At 39, he doesn't appear to be washed up just yet.
JD Martinez
The former Red Sox DH swapped places with Turner last season, and found his groove in LA after an off season in 2022. He logged his 3rd straight All-Star selectioon (6 in total), while returning to the 30-HR, 100-RBI marks for the first time since 2019. At 36, he might still be able to provide thump at the plate.
Joc Pederson
He's mostly been effective in a platoon role, but he's younger than the previous two, at just 31, and has two World Series rings on his resume, and is a proven playoff performer, something the Blue Jays could certainly use.
Joey Votto
This one would be more for sentimental value. The Toronto-born Votto, a potential future Hall of Famer, would like to play in his age-40 season, but the Cincinnati Reds have let him move on after 17 years, with his production waning significantly the past couple of years. But as a left-handed bat, like Pederson, he could possibly work in a platoon role.
Photo: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
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