After the Toronto Blue Jays fell short in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, all eyes have now turned to Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro as to where the Blue Jays pivot next. With players like Juan Soto and Jeimer Candelario already on the move, Blue Jays management must get creative if they want to make a splash.
There’s still some quality talent available in free agency; players like Cody Bellinger and Jorge Soler are first to come to mind, but if the Blue Jays really want to restore the fan base’s attention, it’s looking like it’ll have to come via trade.
The Milwaukee Brewers are a team that I find to be in an interesting spot. With players like Corbin Burnes, Willy Adames, and Christian Yelich potentially on the move, could the Blue Jays swing a trade with Milwaukee?
Christian Yelich would be a significant addition to this current Blue Jays lineup. Last season with Milwaukee, Christian Yelich had a .278 batting average with 19 home runs and 76 runs batted in through 550 at-bats, according to baseball-reference.com.
The 32-year-old outfielder would bring some speed and versatility to the Blue Jays offense, all while being a left-handed bat. Although the numbers might not be exactly eye-popping, the addition of Christian Yelich would also help shuffle things around in the outfield and improve your centerfield options.
After the Milwaukee Brewers recently signed outfield prospect Jackson Chourio this offseason, it seems as if Christian Yelich could be expendable. So, this idea of trading for the former MLB All-Star isn’t exactly unrealistic. However, with Christian Yelich’s hefty contract it might push teams away.
According to sportstrac.com, Christian Yelich has a base salary of $26,000,000 until 2028, with a mutual option for 2029 at $20,000,000. This would mean that the veteran outfielder wouldn’t hit free agency until his age 38 season, potentially if his option is picked up.
Given the full contract details, the Blue Jays might have no interest, but adding Christian Yelich is intriguing. Adding a left-handed bat with some pop and speed could be a nice addition to a Blue Jays offense that needs some flair.
It’s hard to imagine what the cost would be in a trade for Christian Yelich, but I don’t think it’ll be astronomical, especially given the money tied up to the veteran outfielder. The Milwaukee Brewers look to be heading into a bit of a re-tool, so I think they’ll welcome the idea of moving Christian Yelich.
It’ll be interesting to see what Blue Jays management does, but surely, moves are coming. Stay tuned for more as the Blue Jays look to make a splash for the 2024 season!
Thanks for reading! For more baseball content, follow me on Twitter at TBJ_Anselmo.
Only works if Brewers take on some of the money. Maybe even half. Otherwise might as well go all out for Berlinger, or even wait for next year and throw money at Soto (presuming Yankees don’t work out and extension).
Agree Brewers would have to retain salary…how much presumably depends on what they get back in return. Agree worth exploring