While the Jays were busy signing Bassitt to a three-year deal worth $63 million , several other teams were plugging holes behind the plate. The market moved in a big way and within the span of 24 hours, the Jays became the team with the best catchers still available.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs are among the teams known to be searching for catchers. The Houston Astros, Miami Marlins and Colorado Rockies probably are too. The way the Jays describe it, they’re willing to be flexible and open-minded in talks, but they’re not going to be pressured into any deals. They’re not making the phone calls, they’re just taking them.this week, the Jays are approaching the $233-million competitive balance tax threshold. They have a big hole to fill in the outfield and they could use another high-leverage reliever.
Varsho, a converted catcher, plays all three outfield positions at an above-average level and last season’s 27 home runs prove that he has no shortage of power either. As a first-year arbitration player, he’s projected to earn a meagre $2.8 million in 2023. He would fill a hole without breaking the bank.
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