Report: Blue Jays slugger Justin Smoak clears waivers

Tim and Sid discuss Justin Smoak clearing waivers and whether the Toronto Blue Jays will trade the first baseman.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak has passed through waivers unclaimed, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. This means the switch-hitter is now eligible to be dealt to any team in the majors.

Smoak has followed last year’s breakout with a strong 2018 campaign: He is batting .255/.365/.463 with 18 home runs and 1.6 WAR over 116 games. He has increased his walk percentage by nearly three per cent to 14.3 this season and his 126 wRC+, which adjusts for league and park effects, ranks 38th among all qualified MLB hitters.

The 31-year-old is in the second year of a two-year deal, but the Blue Jays hold a club option on him for the 2019 season worth $7 million. Because of that low cost, the Blue Jays would likely demand a relatively strong return in any trade for Smoak.

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