The Jays don't necessarily need another starter, but since when is too much pitching a bad thing?
A few days ago, we asked if signing free agent hurler Framber Valdez really made sense for the Toronto Blue Jays this winter. We'll get back to that in a minute, but with less than a week to go until spring training, the Jays continue to get at least mentioned in the Valdez conversation.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today admitted that the Baltimore Orioles are seen as the favorite for the lefty, but he did say this with regards to the Jays:
The Orioles’ biggest threat to signing Valdez is the Blue Jays. They’ve had perhaps the best winter of any team in baseball, spending $337 million to give them every chance for a return trip to the World Series. So why not push it closer to $500 million?
So, we go back to the original question again. Does signing Valdez make sense?
Why it could work
Since when is having too much pitching a bad thing? Answer. Never. You can never have too much pitching and Valdez has been one of the best in baseball for years.
An eight-year veteran of the Houston Astros, Valdez is a two-time All-Star and a World Series champion (2022). Lifetime, he's gone 81-52 with a 3.36 ERA, and he has five consecutive double-digit win seasons. Remarkably durable, he's made at least 28 starts in four straight campaigns. He led the American League in innings pitched (201.1) in 2022.
He also threw a non-hitter in 2023.
Furthermore, Valdez could help solidify the rotation's future. While Toronto wants to win the World Series this season, they'd also like to be championship caliber in subsequent seasons. Shane Bieber and Kevin Gausman are both free agents after 2026, and having Valdez and Dylan Cease locked up with Trey Yesavage and Cody Ponce could help make that a reality too.
And finally, how about the price point? We're a week away from spring training starting and Valdez doesn't have a job. If the urgency is getting to him, perhaps he'll take a more team-friendly deal, and while the Jays aren't really concerned about money, who doesn't like a good deal?
Why it may not work
Having too much pitching is never bad, but the egos of players already in the clubhouse have to be considered, don't they? Ponce just signed a three-year, $30 million deal to come back to the big leagues from Japan. Does he want to be bumped to the bullpen? Do Jose Berrios and Eric Lauer want to be pushed further down the depth chart?
And, do the Blue Jays really need three converted starters and long-relief types in that 'pen? At some point, doesn't the 'pen need more established relievers and high-leverage arms?
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