The Toronto Blue Jays have a large and potentially expensive class of arbitration eligible players this off-season and while some are sure bets to return in 2015, others could be jettisoned to create payroll room if necessary.
The Blue Jays have until December to decide which players they retain and which ones they non-tender and release. Here’s a closer look at their eight eligible players, based on the projected arbitration salaries at MLB Trade Rumors:
Blue Jays outfield options | Blue Jays relief options | Blue Jays infield options
Marco Estrada, RHP
2015 role: Estrada would be a reliever if the season opened today, but he has considerable experience starting which means the Blue Jays could turn to him if their current rotation loses depth. His projected salary makes him the Blue Jays’ most expensive arbitration eligible player, but it’s reasonable for an established swingman.
Projected salary: $4.7 million
Justin Smoak, 1B
2015 role: Now that Adam Lind has been traded, Smoak figures to get considerable playing time at first base, where he’ll have the chance to play in a hitter-friendly park and rebound from a down year. The Blue Jays declined his $3.65 million option because he projects to earn closer to $3 million through the arbitration process following a down year at the plate.
Projected salary: $3.0 million
Brett Cecil, LHP
2015 role: Cecil projects to continue pitching high-leverage late-game innings, but until the Blue Jays round out their bullpen with off-season additions, it’s impossible to say where exactly he’ll slot in.
Projected salary: $2.6 million
Juan Francisco, 3B
2015 role: On paper Francisco provides the Blue Jays with a powerful left-handed bat capable of playing third base. But his poor fielding, plate approach and late-season struggles (.828 first-half OPS, .561 second-half OPS) pushed him to the bench from August 28 on. He’s a prime non-tender candidate who figures to be cut loose given his projected salary.
Projected salary: $2.2 million
John Mayberry Jr., OF
2015 role: Mayberry projects as a part-time player who sees lots of action against left-handed pitching given his career .857 OPS against southpaws. The Blue Jays could mix him in at left field, first base and as a pinch hitter.
Projected salary: $1.9 million
Brett Lawrie, 3B
2015 role: Lawrie will start at third base unless the Blue Jays acquire an established third baseman (in that scenario he’d move to second). Now arbitration eligible for the first time, he’ll earn a substantial raise. If he stays on the field enough to compile plenty of plate appearances and power numbers in 2015 he’ll be in line for an even bigger raise a year from now.
Projected salary: $1.8 million
Danny Valencia, IF
2015 role: Like Mayberry, Valencia has enjoyed lots of success against left-handed pitching (career .870 OPS). While he doesn’t produce nearly as much against right-handers, he provides the Blue Jays with a part-time option at first and third.
Projected salary: $1.7 million
Andy Dirks, OF
2015 role: The left-handed hitting Dirks could figure into Toronto’s left field mix if healthy (he missed most of the 2014 season due to a back injury). But if the Blue Jays acquire an everyday option, the long-time Tigers outfielder could simply be non-tendered. Arbitration salaries aren’t guaranteed until spring training, so the Blue Jays don’t have to make the million-dollar decision just yet.
Projected salary: $1.6 million
Note that right-hander Drew Hutchison narrowly missed eligibility.
