. The team also opened up a projected $6.5 million by non-tendering outfielders Raimel Tapia and Bradley Zimmer.— who’s projected to earn $1.4 million through arbitration — will lower that figure. Still, that leaves the front office with nearly $20 million in additional breathing room for next season.
The Blue Jays also need to acquire another starting pitcher, with Ross Stripling becoming a free agent. And with the club’s projected 2023 payroll roughly $29 million under the $232 million CBT threshold, according toStripling played a vital role while filling in for the injured Ryu, performing to a 2.64 ERA and 3.06 FIP over 19 starts after moving into the rotation full-time on June 6. Bringing him back for a second tenure wouldn’t be a terrible decision, especially after he was worth 3.
Adding that amount to Toronto’s payroll wouldn’t be simple, even with the savings management has already accumulated. But with roughly $47.5 million in guaranteed salaries coming off the books after 2023, accounting for Verlander’s salary would be easier in future seasons.