Three Subtle Yet Smart Moves the Blue Jays Have Made This Offseason

Everybody on the Blue Jays loves Leo Jimenez. After signing with the Blue Jays in 2017, he made his debut last year, performing admirably in 63 games. However, with plenty of depth options and with the emergence of Will Wagner, there may not have been a spot for him coming opening day. As he was out of options, this meant the Blue Jays would have to trade, DFA or release him. Not so anymore.

In December, the Blue Jays and Jimenez were granted an extra option year. This means he can be called up and back down with no side effects. Normally, a player has a certain amount of options based on service time. Because Jimenez had a couple of years battling injuries, the Jays were allowed an additional option year.

This could prove crucial as Jimenez is a very good shortstop and would probably be first in line should any further injury problems befall Bo Bichette. He will see the majors again, but the fact that the Blue Jays can keep in the minors is a very big deal.

A Kloffenstein reunion

When the Blue Jays claimed Adam Kloffenstein off of waivers last months, it was a reunion of sorts, as Kloffenstein was drafted by the team. What is more important though, was how much it added to the starting pitching depth.

Although he is another right-hander, Kloffenstein will slide in behind Jake Bloss as a rotation option should any problems befall the major league starting five. Every team will about ten years in any given year, so having Kloffenstein only adds to that.

The Bethancourt solution

When the Blue Jays signed catcher Christian Bethancourt to a minor league deal, many fans assumed that he would become the new back-up in 2025. And while the front office has always held faith in Tyler Heineman, Bethancourt sure seems like an upgrade. While the Jays have other catchers in the system, such as Ali Sanchez and Phil Clarke, Bethancourt feels like the best option.