When Brandon Nimmo became available, it was clear the Blue Jays were going to be interested in the guy. After all, he is a center fielder who hits from the left and would have been the perfect complement when George Springer was injured.
But he chose to stay in New York.
With Cody Bellinger signed in Chicago and Bryan Reynolds not up for grabs in Pittsburgh, it was clear it was going to take a different option for the Jays’ outfield.
It was ultimately Kevin Kiermaier, who was guaranteed the center fielder position in Toronto when he signed.
Yes, he hits from the left, but…
Theoretically, the Jays’ starting field is complete since Springer will go to the right and since Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will remain on the left. But it takes depth. Cavan Biggio and Whit Merrifield can help, but…
And in fact, with all the times Springer will be injured/DH, it takes more than depth. It takes a guy who will play relatively regularly.
That’s why, according to Ken Rosenthal, the Blue Jays were interested in Michael Brantley (like two years ago) before seeing him sign with the Astros.
But since he signed in Houston, the club must aim for other targets. Does the candidacy of Michael Conforto, who did not play in 2022 due to injury, make more and more sense?
With what’s left on the market, the answer is yes.
Obviously, the club could indeed go there via a deal, but it’s not like the deal market is booming right now.
It is therefore a file to follow, but Conforto could be well surrounded in Toronto to revive and become the hitter he was. That said, the Jays will not be the only ones in the race…
