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The Toronto Blue Jays have taken care of their starting pitching rotation and now they have turned their focus to the bullpen and Robert Suarez.
Suarez is the second best closer in the MLB behind Edwin Diaz who is officially off the board as of this morning after signing with the Dodgers.
Robert Suarez heavily linked to Blue Jays.
Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumours reported on the growing probability that Suarez becomes a Blue Jay. It was problem made quite apparent in game 7 of the World Series, with a blow save from Jeff Hoffman in the 9th inning that the Blue Jays need a closer.
The Jays were previously connected to the now-signed Helsley, Maton and Iglesias, in addition to being linked to Diaz and Fairbanks. Suarez would also be a logical target for Toronto. He has been San Diego's closer for the past two years.-McDonald
Hoffman would be much better suited as a middle reliever with less pressure and a true closer would put the Blue Jays at the very fore front for favorites to win the World Series next year. The only issue with Suarez is his age, he's 35 and is projected to get a three-year, $48MM deal at the beginning of the season.
It's a heavy investment for someone toward the end of their career, but the Blue Jays need an arm they can rely on to close out games.
"The last time a reliever got a three-year deal beginning at age-35 or later was Will Harris. His $24MM guarantee was half of what MLBTR predicted for Suarez. Mariano Rivera's deal in 2007 was the last time a pitcher this age or older got three years with an average annual value more than $8MM."-McDonald
Now that Diaz has now signed in Los Angeles, many expect the Blue Jays to be the front runners to Suarez.
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The Blue Jays have been guns blazing so far this offseason, easily the most active team to date. There's a newfound confidence and a bigger bank account after this World Series, and the Blue Jays aren't afraid to spend it.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 9|740 ANSWERS Blue Jays expected to reach an agreement with Padres all-star Will the Toronto Blue Jays acquire Robert Suarez this MLB offseason? | ||
| Yes | 416 | 56.2 % |
| No | 324 | 43.8 % |
| List of polls | ||