Official Blue Jays 2025 Spring Training Thread

[polo007]

How does it work with Straw and the roster? Since he was outrighted by the Guardians last year, I assume that he's officially a minor leaguer for right now, and we can put him in Buffalo to start the season without needing to 'send him down' or etc?

If he does make the roster, would we need to officially DFA him to get him back down?

Myles Straw signed a five-year deal worth $25 million with the Guardians in 2022, which included a $2 million signing bonus. He also has club options following the 2027 and 2028 seasons at $8 million and $8.5 million

Straw was outrighted off the roster by Cleveland last March and is due $6.4 million this season, $7.4 million next year and comes with a club option for $8 million with a $1.75 million buyout in 2027.

Cleveland will cover $3.75 million of Myles Straw's salary, with the Toronto Blue Jays responsible for the remaining $11.8 million.

Also of note: Straw’s contract will count against the Blue Jays’ competitive balance tax payroll, regardless of whether he’s on Toronto’s 40-man roster.

Myles Straw | MLB Contracts & Salaries | Spotrac.com

[bartron_44]

So he’s buried money until they add him to the 40 man roster. Still not sure what that means about him starting the year in AAA…


On a different note, I really like the look of Loperfido’s stance/swing adjustments.

[Parataxis]

How does it work with Straw and the roster? Since he was outrighted by the Guardians last year, I assume that he's officially a minor leaguer for right now, and we can put him in Buffalo to start the season without needing to 'send him down' or etc?

If he does make the roster, would we need to officially DFA him to get him back down?

Myles Straw signed a five-year deal worth $25 million with the Guardians in 2022, which included a $2 million signing bonus. He also has club options following the 2027 and 2028 seasons at $8 million and $8.5 million

Straw was outrighted off the roster by Cleveland last March and is due $6.4 million this season, $7.4 million next year and comes with a club option for $8 million with a $1.75 million buyout in 2027.

Cleveland will cover $3.75 million of Myles Straw's salary, with the Toronto Blue Jays responsible for the remaining $11.8 million.

Also of note: Straw’s contract will count against the Blue Jays’ competitive balance tax payroll, regardless of whether he’s on Toronto’s 40-man roster.

Yup, I understand the financials side of things. I was wondering about the rostering side of things.

[bluerap23]

How does it work with Straw and the roster? Since he was outrighted by the Guardians last year, I assume that he's officially a minor leaguer for right now, and we can put him in Buffalo to start the season without needing to 'send him down' or etc?

If he does make the roster, would we need to officially DFA him to get him back down?

Myles Straw signed a five-year deal worth $25 million with the Guardians in 2022, which included a $2 million signing bonus. He also has club options following the 2027 and 2028 seasons at $8 million and $8.5 million

Straw was outrighted off the roster by Cleveland last March and is due $6.4 million this season, $7.4 million next year and comes with a club option for $8 million with a $1.75 million buyout in 2027.

Cleveland will cover $3.75 million of Myles Straw's salary, with the Toronto Blue Jays responsible for the remaining $11.8 million.

Also of note: Straw’s contract will count against the Blue Jays’ competitive balance tax payroll, regardless of whether he’s on Toronto’s 40-man roster.

Myles Straw | MLB Contracts & Salaries | Spotrac.com

Jesus. Why do we need to pay another 600 ops guy? Shatkins helping out Cleveland to get their next job?

[Raptors Realtor]

Jim Bowden's offseason report card via The Athletic...

Toronto Blue Jays
Grade: B-plus

Free agents:

• RF Anthony Santander, 5 years/$92.5 million
• RHP Jeff Hoffman, 3 years/$33 million
• RHP Max Scherzer, 1 year/$15.5 million
• RHP Yimi García, 2 years/$15 million
• LHP Josh Walker, 1 year/$760,000

Trades:

• Acquired 2B Andrés Giménez and RHP Nick Sandlin from Guardians for 1B Spencer Horwitz
• Acquired OF Myles Shaw, cash and international bonus pool space from Guardians for player to be named or cash
• Acquired cash from Pirates for RHP Brett de Geus

Best move: Signing Anthony Santander, who hit 44 homers last year, second most in the AL. With Santander, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays have a trio that will be difficult to pitch around.

Under-the-radar move: The trade for Platinum Glove second baseman Andrés Giménez, who improves the Jays’ defense up the middle and gives them another infielder who’s capable of hitting 15 home runs.

What helped or hurt their grade: The Jays’ inability to extend the contracts of Guerrero and/or Bichette hurt their grade. In addition, I wasn’t sure about the gamble of giving reliever Jeff Hoffman a three-year deal when two other teams nixed deals with him over medical concerns.

Storyline to watch: Will they make Guerrero another offer at some point? If they fall out of contention, will they trade him at the deadline? This storyline isn’t going anywhere until Vlad Jr. signs his next contract — with the Blue Jays or someone else.

Season prediction: Fourth place

[polo007]

How does it work with Straw and the roster? Since he was outrighted by the Guardians last year, I assume that he's officially a minor leaguer for right now, and we can put him in Buffalo to start the season without needing to 'send him down' or etc?

If he does make the roster, would we need to officially DFA him to get him back down?

Breaking down where Myles Straw fits on the Blue Jays roster - Blue Jays Nation

The Blue Jays may have had Myles Straw on their list of desired acquisitions, but this was most likely meant to be the final piece in locking down a deal with Roki Sasaki. The Guardians helped the Blue Jays with their international bonus funds, and the Blue Jays took Straw’s contract off Cleveland’s hands. In theory, it all sounded like a good idea as long as Toronto signed the Japanese right-hander.

Unfortunately, the chips didn’t fall in Toronto’s favour. You hate to say they’re “stuck with” Straw, but he’s part of the organization now, along with the near-$12 million he is still owed by the Blue Jays. Before we dive into where he fits on Toronto’s roster, it’s important to note that Straw was not immediately placed on Toronto’s 40-man roster. His latest transaction on his player page is that he was assigned to Double-A New Hampshire. However, if the Blue Jays need him at the major league level, they would need to create a spot for him.

MLB Trade Rumors reported that Straw can reject an outright assignment and elect free agency since he has more than three years of service time. Since he doesn’t have five years of service time, though, the remainder of his contract would be diminished should he elect free agency.

That’s an important detail considering that the Blue Jays might need him to open the 2025 season.

[dagger]

Arjun Nimmala and Alan Roden went back to back today. Can't wait to see where they assign Nimmala, I'm thinking Dunedin until the weather in Vancouver warms up a bit. Roden might be forcing management's hand.

[JN]

How does it work with Straw and the roster? Since he was outrighted by the Guardians last year, I assume that he's officially a minor leaguer for right now, and we can put him in Buffalo to start the season without needing to 'send him down' or etc?

If he does make the roster, would we need to officially DFA him to get him back down?

Breaking down where Myles Straw fits on the Blue Jays roster - Blue Jays Nation

The Blue Jays may have had Myles Straw on their list of desired acquisitions, but this was most likely meant to be the final piece in locking down a deal with Roki Sasaki. The Guardians helped the Blue Jays with their international bonus funds, and the Blue Jays took Straw’s contract off Cleveland’s hands. In theory, it all sounded like a good idea as long as Toronto signed the Japanese right-hander.

Unfortunately, the chips didn’t fall in Toronto’s favour. You hate to say they’re “stuck with” Straw, but he’s part of the organization now, along with the near-$12 million he is still owed by the Blue Jays. Before we dive into where he fits on Toronto’s roster, it’s important to note that Straw was not immediately placed on Toronto’s 40-man roster. His latest transaction on his player page is that he was assigned to Double-A New Hampshire. However, if the Blue Jays need him at the major league level, they would need to create a spot for him.

MLB Trade Rumors reported that Straw can reject an outright assignment and elect free agency since he has more than three years of service time. Since he doesn’t have five years of service time, though, the remainder of his contract would be diminished should he elect free agency.

That’s an important detail considering that the Blue Jays might need him to open the 2025 season.

Given that his contract would be "diminished" (not sure how much that is, if not all), I can't see him rejecting an assignment. No chance he gets anywhere close to $12 million as a Free Agent. At best he gets the league minimum guaranteed.

[bartron_44]

Berroa is giving him a run for his money. He is having just as hot of a spring so far, and is already on the 40 man roster. Not to mention he is a switch hitter, has more pop, and is even better at stealing bases than Straw. The more I think about it, the more I think it is going to be hard for Straw to make this team out of Spring Training. Even if Varsho isnt ready by opening day. This will be his age 26 season. I think any major league role is a win for both him and rhe franchise. They could get his entire prime on a rookie scale contract.

[Parataxis]

*sigh* Is it too much to ask announcers to get a pronounciation guide for top prospects?

"ar-HOON"

https://www.mlb.com/gameday/779034/video/arjun-nimmala-homers-1-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field-davis-schneider-scores

[polo007]

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says final offer under $600 Million in Blue Jays extension talk - ESPN

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has disclosed that the latest contract extension proposal his representatives presented to the team was significantly lower than Juan Soto's deal with the New York Mets, falling short of $600 million.

Negotiations between Guerrero and the Blue Jays to secure a contract extension before the start of spring training were unsuccessful, setting the stage for the 25-year-old to enter free agency in November.

In an interview with ESPN's Enrique Rojas and Ernesto Jerez, Guerrero clarified the details of the negotiation process and refuted claims that his salary expectations were comparable to the 15-year, $765 million contract the Mets awarded Soto during the offseason.

"It's much less than Soto. We're talking about many fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less. ... It was the same number of years [as Soto's contract], but it didn't reach [$600 million]. The last number we gave them as a counteroffer didn't reach 600," Guerrero said.

"I know the business. I lowered the salary demands a bit, but I also lowered the number of years ... I'm looking for 14 [years]. I would like 14, 15, even 20 if they give them to me, but doing it the right way."

Following the breakdown in negotiations, Guerrero emphasized his commitment to focusing on the upcoming season, the final year of his current contract with the Blue Jays.

"There was an exchange [of salary figures]. The meetings lasted until the last day of the deadline but they [the Blue Jays and Guerrero's agents] couldn't reach an agreement on the numbers. But as I've always said, just because we couldn't reach an agreement, I'm not going to change the way I work. I have to keep working," he added.

In the current spring training, Guerrero is batting a .412 average with a 1.121 OPS, one home run and three RBIs in seven games.

[Randle McMurphy]

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says final offer under $600 Million in Blue Jays extension talk - ESPN

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has disclosed that the latest contract extension proposal his representatives presented to the team was significantly lower than Juan Soto's deal with the New York Mets, falling short of $600 million.

Negotiations between Guerrero and the Blue Jays to secure a contract extension before the start of spring training were unsuccessful, setting the stage for the 25-year-old to enter free agency in November.

In an interview with ESPN's Enrique Rojas and Ernesto Jerez, Guerrero clarified the details of the negotiation process and refuted claims that his salary expectations were comparable to the 15-year, $765 million contract the Mets awarded Soto during the offseason.

"It's much less than Soto. We're talking about many fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less. ... It was the same number of years [as Soto's contract], but it didn't reach [$600 million]. The last number we gave them as a counteroffer didn't reach 600," Guerrero said.

"I know the business. I lowered the salary demands a bit, but I also lowered the number of years ... I'm looking for 14 [years]. I would like 14, 15, even 20 if they give them to me, but doing it the right way."

Following the breakdown in negotiations, Guerrero emphasized his commitment to focusing on the upcoming season, the final year of his current contract with the Blue Jays.

"There was an exchange [of salary figures]. The meetings lasted until the last day of the deadline but they [the Blue Jays and Guerrero's agents] couldn't reach an agreement on the numbers. But as I've always said, just because we couldn't reach an agreement, I'm not going to change the way I work. I have to keep working," he added.

In the current spring training, Guerrero is batting a .412 average with a 1.121 OPS, one home run and three RBIs in seven games.

Yeah, we know already that you ridiculously asked for 585M. Ortiz let it slip.

I love how this guy said he didn't want to be a distraction in the spring and then goes and does interviews about how much money he asked for weeks later as if being not "reaching 600" is some kind of bargain for a 1B with no fielding/baserunning value who has never put two good seasons together in a row in his entire career.

Trade him already.

[polo007]

Read on Twitter

[Hottie McShotty]

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says final offer under $600 Million in Blue Jays extension talk - ESPN

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has disclosed that the latest contract extension proposal his representatives presented to the team was significantly lower than Juan Soto's deal with the New York Mets, falling short of $600 million.

Negotiations between Guerrero and the Blue Jays to secure a contract extension before the start of spring training were unsuccessful, setting the stage for the 25-year-old to enter free agency in November.

In an interview with ESPN's Enrique Rojas and Ernesto Jerez, Guerrero clarified the details of the negotiation process and refuted claims that his salary expectations were comparable to the 15-year, $765 million contract the Mets awarded Soto during the offseason.

"It's much less than Soto. We're talking about many fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less. ... It was the same number of years [as Soto's contract], but it didn't reach [$600 million]. The last number we gave them as a counteroffer didn't reach 600," Guerrero said.

"I know the business. I lowered the salary demands a bit, but I also lowered the number of years ... I'm looking for 14 [years]. I would like 14, 15, even 20 if they give them to me, but doing it the right way."

Following the breakdown in negotiations, Guerrero emphasized his commitment to focusing on the upcoming season, the final year of his current contract with the Blue Jays.

"There was an exchange [of salary figures]. The meetings lasted until the last day of the deadline but they [the Blue Jays and Guerrero's agents] couldn't reach an agreement on the numbers. But as I've always said, just because we couldn't reach an agreement, I'm not going to change the way I work. I have to keep working," he added.

In the current spring training, Guerrero is batting a .412 average with a 1.121 OPS, one home run and three RBIs in seven games.

Yeah, we know already that you ridiculously asked for 585M. Ortiz let it slip.

I love how this guy said he didn't want to be a distraction in the spring and then goes and does interviews about how much money he asked for weeks later as if being not "reaching 600" is some kind of bargain for a 1B with no fielding/baserunning value who has never put two good seasons together in a row in his entire career.

Trade him already.

Easy no to that contract. Awesome for him if he can get it but he want the Jays to pay the free agent price a year before he went to the market. All the risk on the Jays.

[Parataxis]

Honestly, it being that high is probably good, in the long run.

If it was something reasonable, and we just saw a ceiling that the FO wouldn't cross, then losing him is a sure thing. With that demand though, he's probably going to get less, so once his offers come in, the Jays could still sign him for a fair market contract.

He'll need a hell of a season to be fielding offers in the 600M range. MVP level season.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says final offer under $600 Million in Blue Jays extension talk - ESPN

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has disclosed that the latest contract extension proposal his representatives presented to the team was significantly lower than Juan Soto's deal with the New York Mets, falling short of $600 million.

Negotiations between Guerrero and the Blue Jays to secure a contract extension before the start of spring training were unsuccessful, setting the stage for the 25-year-old to enter free agency in November.

In an interview with ESPN's Enrique Rojas and Ernesto Jerez, Guerrero clarified the details of the negotiation process and refuted claims that his salary expectations were comparable to the 15-year, $765 million contract the Mets awarded Soto during the offseason.

"It's much less than Soto. We're talking about many fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less. ... It was the same number of years [as Soto's contract], but it didn't reach [$600 million]. The last number we gave them as a counteroffer didn't reach 600," Guerrero said.

"I know the business. I lowered the salary demands a bit, but I also lowered the number of years ... I'm looking for 14 [years]. I would like 14, 15, even 20 if they give them to me, but doing it the right way."

Following the breakdown in negotiations, Guerrero emphasized his commitment to focusing on the upcoming season, the final year of his current contract with the Blue Jays.

"There was an exchange [of salary figures]. The meetings lasted until the last day of the deadline but they [the Blue Jays and Guerrero's agents] couldn't reach an agreement on the numbers. But as I've always said, just because we couldn't reach an agreement, I'm not going to change the way I work. I have to keep working," he added.

In the current spring training, Guerrero is batting a .412 average with a 1.121 OPS, one home run and three RBIs in seven games.

[WuTang_CMB]

Lmao
The ortize 13 year 585 was true

vladdy is out to lunch. they need to trade him tf outta here

[Madvillainy2004]

Lmao
The ortize 13 year 585 was true

vladdy is out to lunch. they need to trade him tf outta here

Hilarious ask lmao I agree with trading him may as well replenish the farm system. But honestly this ask is so ridiculous no team will do it and we can match whatever 400+ mill offer he gets.

[WuTang_CMB]

Read on Twitter

[Mehar]

Lmao
The ortize 13 year 585 was true

vladdy is out to lunch. they need to trade him tf outta here

The article said Vlad asked for 15 years. 585 million over 15 years is still ridiculous. This joke franchise should have been fielding offers for Vlad and trading him by opening day after he refused to sign an extension.

It will be a distraction all year with this guy, and you can still get a very good package for him right now. In July, the return for Vlad will be significantly lower when he will be so close to free agency if this team is out of it by then.

[WuTang_CMB]

Lmao
The ortize 13 year 585 was true

vladdy is out to lunch. they need to trade him tf outta here

The article said Vlad asked for 15 years. 585 million over 15 years is still ridiculous. This joke franchise should have been fielding offers for Vlad and trading him by opening day after he refused to sign an extension.

It will be a distraction all year with this guy, and you can still get a very good package for him right now. In July, the return for Vlad will be significantly lower when he will be so close to free agency if this team is out of it by then.

It's clear he was in the range of 13-15 years and just under the 600 mark of 585.

If Vladdy wants that contract he will need to repeat his MVP season. Even then teams will question