With spring training well underway, most of MLB’s big-name free agents have signed and are getting reps with their new clubs.
One impact player who remains available is pitcher Jake Odorizzi, and it sounds like his market is heating up again. The Toronto Blue Jays continue to show interest in the right-hander, with the Houston Astros and other teams also in the mix, per MLB Network‘s Jon Heyman.
The Blue Jays made run prevention a priority over the off-season, and adding Odorizzi would certainly help in that regard. The 30-year-old was limited to four disappointing starts for the Minnesota Twins in 2020, but was an all-star with the club in 2019 with a 3.51 ERA and 10.1 K/9 rate.
Toronto has a plethora of options for its starting rotation, but there is uncertainty behind ace Hyun Jin Ryu. Odorizzi would bring an added element of stability to the staff.
Odorizzi was linked to the Blue Jays last winter before ultimately choosing to sign a one-year qualifying offer to remain with the Twins.
The former first-round pick was reportedly seeking a three-year contract worth at least $36 million earlier this off-season, but it’s unclear if his asking price has changed.
[relatedlinks]