Blue Jays non-tender infielder Travis Shaw, reliever A.J. Cole

MLB insider Jon Morosi says free-agent outfielder George Springer is the best fit for the Toronto Blue Jays this off-season for many different reasons.

TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays declined to tender 2021 contracts to infielder Travis Shaw and reliever A.J. Cole ahead of Wednesday night’s deadline, sending both players into a suddenly crowded free-agent market.

Cutting ties with Shaw, who was projected to earn between $4.5-$5 million in arbitration, wasn’t unexpected as the Blue Jays are seeking an infield upgrade. But parting ways with Cole, who logged 23.1 innings over 24 contests, was a bit more surprising given he was only projected to cost about $1 million.

The moves clear two spots off the club’s 40-man roster, creating flexibility to explore a market flush with new players like Shaw and Cole cut loose by their former teams.

Teoscar Hernandez and Ross Stripling are the only remaining arbitration-eligible Blue Jays.

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