Toronto Blue Jays fielding calls on Adam Lind

Despite only filling a limited role in the team’s lineup, Adam Lind produced some fairly solid results for the Toronto Blue Jays this past season. The organization holds a pair of club options on the 31 year old for the next two seasons, but it remains to be seen just how much longer the left-hander will remain with the team.

Lind appears to be drawing some interest on the trade market, as Bob Elliot of the Toronto Sun reports. Elliot notes that at least three of four teams, including at least one from the National League, have called the Blue Jays to check in on Lind’s availability.

Appearing in 96 games in 2014, Lind batted .321/.381/.479 on the year in 318 plate appearances. He’d add 24 doubles but just six home runs, his lowest total dating back to 2008. It’s worth noting, however, that nearly all of his playing time can strictly against right-handed pitching. Lind’s platoon splits are so severe (.354/.409/.533 vs RHP in 2014 and .061/.162/.061 vs LHP) that the Blue Jays keep him out of the lineup versus southpaws.

Live Feed

Jays Journal

Lind’s option for 2015 would be worth $7.5 million, with a $1 million buyout. The team option for 2016 would be valued at $8 million.

The combination of solid numbers against right-handed pitching and the relative affordability of the options make him a potentially attractive option for clubs, explaining the interest. His inability to handle left-handed pitching and limitations defensively, he played just 47 games at first base, leave some pause for concern, however. He’s no longer an everyday player, especially for a National League team.

Toronto appears likely to exercise their option for 2015 but that likely won’t preclude them from dealing Lind over the winter. In fact, the early interest that opposing teams have shown may make the team’s decision to exercise the option more practical considering they could trade him for another potential asset instead of merely losing him via free agency for nothing.