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The Blue Jays continues to go all-in on their free-agent push, agreeing to terms with former Houston outfielder Michael Brantley on a three-year contract. Sportsnet’s
Brantley’s addition to a team makes its lineup one of the deepest in Major League Baseball, not just the American League.
To provide support for the big bats, the Blue Jays also used the offseason to try and sure-up its bullpen by retaining starter Robbie Ray and bringing right-handers Kirby Yates and Tyler Chatwood north of the border. Wednesday’s announcement was the dramatic crescendo to months of rumors and speculation surrounding Toronto being attached to almost every free agent on the market.
Brantley will turn 34 in May and has hit .300 or better in the last three seasons. He was one hit away in 2017 from making it four consecutive years, so it may as well be the case. His presence in the clubhouse amongst a good group of veterans who know how to win cannot be understated as the young core is set to anchor Toronto’s success.
The 2017 World Series champion(*) is expected to serve as the Blue Jays’ designated hitter on most days to keep him well-rested after nagging injuries troubled much of his career. Brantley brings a high-contact rate and low strikeout ratio to the mix, contributing right away with a bunch that averaged one strikeout per four plate appearances last season.
It is clear that the belief in Toronto is that the pieces are there to compete with the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays now, rather than waiting for its younger players to develop. Brantley’s most recently played on a two-year, $32 million contract with Houston, so he is expected to make a pretty penny with this deal.
