The Jays announced a free-agent signing: Josh Walker. Walker is a left-handed reliever who pitched in 10 games for the Mets last year and 14 the year before, with a 6.45 ERA between the two. He’s getting a one-year, $760,000 deal, and he has an option year left. He’s 30-years-old now.
He’s a big guy, 6’6” 225. He throws low-90s, 92-93, and has a curve and a change.
Hagen Danner has been DFAed to make room. I’m sad about that, I have high hopes for Danner. Last year, he had a 3.15 ERA for the Bisons in 33 games, with 13 walks and 34 strikeouts in 34.1 innings. But he’s had injury issues.
Ken Rosenthal tells us that the Jays are ‘listening’ to trade offerers on Bo Bichette. I always say they should listen to offers on everyone, but I doubt anything will happen this winter.
The team signed Eric Pardinho to a minor league contract with an invite to the major league camp.
Rosenthal also says the Jays are “in talks with Vlad about a long-term extension,” as they should be.
He figures the deal would be in the $500-600 million range.
Santa…..all I want for Christmas is a contract for Vlad. Well, that, a power-hitting outfielder, and a closer would make my Christmas memorable.
Other teams have made some signings:
- The Phillies signed Max Kepler for one year and $10 million.
- The Mets signed Anthony Gose to a minor league contract.
- The Astros signed Christian Walker. Three years and $60 million. It sounds like they are out on Alex Bregman.
- The Red Sox signed Patrick Sandoval to a two-year contract for $5.5 million in 2025 and $12.75 in 2026.
- The Nationals signed Calgary boy Mike Soroda to a one-year, $9 million deal. I was hoping the Jays might pursue him for the bullpen.
- And Sammy Sosa more or less admitted to taking PED. I “did whatever I could to recover from injuries. I never broke any laws, but in hindsight, I made mistakes, and I apologize.”