Blue Jays in on Japanese Hitters

The Toronto Blue Jays are said to be interested in a pair of Japanese hitters, Yoshitomo Tsutsugo and Shogo Akiyama, according to an article by Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca.

Akiyama, 31, is probably the more likely fit as he plays center field and is a free agent while Tsutsugo, 28, is a first base/ corner outfielder type who has been posted by the Yokohama Bay Stars. There is also the possibility that they sign both and shop some of their current outfielders. GM Ross Atkins also talked about position changes as a way to make the signing of both players work. 

Qualifying Offer Hindering Abreu’s Market

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Florida Marlins are among the teams interested in Jose Abreu , yet due to his receiving a qualifying offer from the Chicago White Sox the loss of a draft pick may be too much to swallow for the first baseman’s services. Heyman also reports that a reunion with the White Sox is more likely a scenario even if Abreu were to reject the QO. 

Donaldson Market is Strong 

You can add the Los Angles Dodgers and Washington Nationals to the list of teams that have Josh Donaldson at the top of their offseason wish list according to Jorge Castillo of the LA Times and Jon Heyman. They now join the Rangers (who are said to have made an aggressive push) Braves, and Phillies as the list of teams vying for the star third baseman grows by the day. 

Moustakas is No Consolation Prize 

Mike Moustakas is coming off a strong 2019 campaign and that’s part of the reason why the Braves see him as a viable candidate to take over for Josh Donaldson if he chooses to sign somewhere other than Atlanta according to Jon Heyman. 

Blue Jays Think Odorizzi is Worth It

Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca has reported that the Toronto Blue Jays have “legitimate interest” in Jake Odorizzi. Following his productive 2019 season with the Minnesota Twins, Ordorizzi received the QO from the Twins but that does not seem to be an issue for the Blue Jays.  

Blue Jays Meet With Grandal

Marly Rivera of ESPN is reporting that the Blue Jays have also held a meeting with the representatives for free agent catcher Yasmani Grandal. Besides his offensive game, his defensive ability would be of great benefit to the Blue Jays young pitching staff. 

Romo Possibly Staying Put 

After being acquired by the Minnesota Twins prior to the trade deadline Dan Hayes of The Athletic is reporting that the Twins are interested in bring back Sergio Romo. In 22 plus innings of high-leverage usage by manager Rocco Baldelli, the 37 year old Romo pitched to a 3.18 ERA.