CARLSBAD, Calif. -- At Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, baseball predictions of all kinds are made from early in the morning until late at night. With MLB’s GM Meetings taking place in person once again, most of baseball’s leading agents and executives are back in one place for the first time in two years -- and there’s a lot to talk about.
Across baseball, the trade market is developing, too, with the Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds both willing to trade pitching. For a Blue Jays team with two open rotation spots, these meetings offer an invaluable chance to assess the price of pitching everywhere it’s available. While they’re also looking for at least one infielder and will pursue relief help, the rotation is an area of focus.
Multiple teams are expressing interest in Matz, who appears poised to land a multi-year deal after posting a 3.82 ERA over the course of 29 starts with the Blue Jays. A strong finish gives Matz some momentum as he hits free agency, and interested teams are intrigued by the changes to his delivery and pitch mix that enabled his 2021 bounce-back.
“Love Steven. I’m a huge fan of his work ethic and the year that he had,” Atkins said. “I think he really enjoyed his time here, really appreciated his time in Toronto and Buffalo and Dunedin. It’s remarkable to think about what he did in those three stadiums and in the AL East. He made some solid adjustments that he benefitted from and we’ll absolutely stay engaged with him.”