Toronto Blue Jays: Who Should They Re-Sign This Offseason?

RHP R.A. Dickey

Clearly R.A. Dickey’s career is on its final legs. At 41 years of age, the veteran hurler has held off father time because of his ability to throw a knuckleball, which historically puts less strain on one’s arm over the course of a long career. Heck, Tim Wakefield pitched until he was 45. But like the former Red Sox pitcher, Dickey has seen decline as he’s gotten older.

Since his breakout season with the New York Mets in 2012, Dickey has finished with an ERA of under 3.90 just one time. This year has been his worst yet, as he currently has produced a 4.60 earned run average and is walking hitters at a career-high rate. He’s not getting as many swings and misses as well, which is concerning for knuckleball pitcher in particular.

Adding up all of these factors, signing Dickey is not something Toronto should consider regardless of the price. With a lack of pitching on the market this offseason, it could lead a desperate team to sign him for much more than he’s worth. The Blue Jays are loaded with good pitchers like Aaron Sanchez, J.A. Happ and Marco Estrada. Marcus Stroman also has too good of stuff to not bounce back in 2017. Dickey had some really good seasons late in his career, but it looks like if he doesn’t retire, he should not expect the Blue Jays to be interested in bringing him back into the fold.

Verdict: Let him walk (or retire)

Next: Captain Canada