Toronto Blue Jays need to keep Matt Shoemaker
By David Hill
The Toronto Blue Jays desperately need help in the rotation. Retaining one of their own pitchers would be a step in the right direction.
As the Toronto Blue Jays look to improve upon a dismal 2019 campaign, one of the areas that they are looking to improve is the rotation. According to reports, Toronto has cast a wide net in their quest for pitching help. They had been interested in Kyle Gibson before he ultimately signed in Texas, and are expected to be after virtually everyone in free agency as they look to upgrade the roster.
It is understandable that the Blue Jays would be looking for help in the rotation. In a division that also contains the Yankees and Rays, along with the 2018 World Series winning Red Sox, their young lineup will only take them so far. They will need arms to keep pace.
That quest to add pitching should begin in their own backyard. Matt Shoemaker is eligible for arbitration, and is seemingly open to signing a multi-year contract with the team. The Blue Jays also seem interested in bringing him back, although there has not been any traction in talks thus far.
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When healthy, Shoemaker has been a solid pitcher. That was the case last year as well, when he posted a 1.57 ERA and a 0.872 WHiP in his 28.2 innings, striking out 24 batters with only nine walks. However, he lasted only five starts before missing the rest of the year due to a torn ACL.
Those ongoing injury issues make Shoemaker a risk when it comes to the rotation. Yet, it is a risk that the Blue Jays need to take. Shoemaker is not likely to cost more than the $3.5 million he made last season, even if he does get a two year deal. That type of contract would not only fill a spot in the rotation, but allow Toronto to pursue other starters.
Such a deal could work out beyond the 2020 campaign for Toronto as well. If Shoemaker pitches well, and remains healthy, the Blue Jays could conceivably flip him at the deadline for prospects. Or, if the Blue Jays add enough pitching and he signs a two year deal, he could be a part of the solution as they seek to contend in the difficult AL East.
Next. Blue Jays top ten prospects. dark
Not only do the Toronto Blue Jays need to add pitching, but they need to keep the solid options they have on hand. That includes retaining Matt Shoemaker.