The Toronto Blue Jays began the season expecting to replicate some of that World Series grandeur, but so far things have not worked out.
When things do not get off to the greatest start, several factors might be blamed, but in Toronto, injuries have been the primary issue. However, in addition to obvious flaws, the bullpen has been largely terrible even when healthy, owing primarily to the bullpen’s struggles.
If the Blue Jays wish to make an in-season switch to the bullpen and shake things up for the left-handers, who have been notably underwhelming, veteran southpaw Andrew Chafin has just become available and might be someone Toronto considers.
Chafin May Make Sense for the Blue Jays Bullpen
While there have been some shining lights in guys such as Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, and Braydon Fisher, all three are right-handed and have been the only consistent relievers the Toronto bullpen has had. Lefties like as Mason Fluharty and Eric Lauer, whom the team hoped would advance, have not done so, leaving this team very right-heavy.
As things appear to be going down a bad road for this unit’s left-handed depth, a veteran like Chafin, who opted out of his minor league agreement with the Cincinnati Reds on Monday and has been successful in the major leagues for an extended period of time, may be the ideal addition to get things started.
After posting a 2. 41 ERA in 42 outings last season, the 35-year-old has yet to pitch in the major leagues this season, but he has a 0. 96 ERA in 10 Triple-A outings to demonstrate that he can still get it done.
Blue Jays would have to fend off other suitors.
When a seasoned player, like as Chafin, withdraws from a minor league contract, it indicates that he believes he will have MLB chances elsewhere. The truth is that everyone could use more bullpen depth, and Chafin has done enough to warrant receiving phone calls.
If Toronto truly wants to sign him, they should be prepared to free up a roster place for him and either demote or dismiss one of their current underperformers. Over the next week, Blue Jays fans should watch Chafin closely, as he might wind up north of the border.
Toronto might benefit much if they were able to defeat other teams.
