Chris Paddack is suddenly in John Schneider's orbit as the Blue Jays look for innings after cutting Eric Lauer.
That does not mean Toronto is on the verge of signing him. But the fit is easy to see after Lauer was designated for assignment and the club admitted it is checking external options.
The idea picked up steam after Blue Jays analyst Mitch Bannon pointed to Paddack as a name to watch. His case was simple: Paddack is stretched out, throws strikes, and would come with little risk.
That matters because Toronto is not shopping at the top of the starter market in mid-May. The Blue Jays need a usable arm more than they need a flashy one.
Paddack was recently released by the Marlins after going 0-5 with a 7.63 ERA in 7 starts. That stat line is ugly, but it also means he is available and likely cheap.
Career-wise, he has logged 125 MLB games, including 116 starts, with a 4.79 ERA. For a team trying to cover the back of the rotation, that kind of experience still has value.
Schneider's side of this story is just as telling. After the Blue Jays DFA'd Lauer, he said the move came down to results and that Toronto felt it needed to go in a different direction.
Toronto needs innings more than upside right now
That is where Paddack starts to make sense. Shane Bieber and Jose Berrios have not made an MLB start this season, Max Scherzer is on the injured list, and Toronto has already been forced to stretch its pitching plan.
Spencer Miles is one internal option, but Schneider already noted the club is weighing the workload toll on him because of his limited volume. Chad Dallas and CJ Van Eyk were also mentioned as possibilities, with bullpen days viewed as possible but not ideal.
That leaves room for a move like this. Paddack would not have to save the staff. He would just need to hold a turn every fifth day until Toronto gets healthier.
The Blue Jays have already shown they are willing to make practical pitching bets. They signed Patrick Corbin when injuries started to pile up, and a Paddack move would fall into the same lane.
There is also the money angle. Heavy noted Paddack could likely be signed for the minimum, which makes him the kind of low-cost swing a club can walk away from if it does not work.
So this is not a blockbuster story. It is a survival story. Chris Paddack is available, the Blue Jays need innings, and after Eric Lauer's exit, Toronto has every reason to look hard at a veteran arm that can step in fast.
Should the Blue Jays take a low-risk shot on Chris Paddack after DFAing Eric Lauer?
Also read on Blue Jays Insider :
Alejandro Kirk update gives Blue Jays important clarity on his return
