2022 Blue Jays

[Deebo]

Let's start off the 2022 thread with some big news.

https://twitter.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1460615689471934464

[Nik]

https://twitter.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1460615689471934464

[Nik]

Well, considering the price they paid for him they were definitely going to be looking to lock him up and this is pretty reasonable all things considered. A front of the rotation starter locked up for his entire prime at a reasonable number is a pretty big win for the club.

[bustaheims]

That's a pretty solid contract for both sides.

[Heroic Shrimp]

Honestly, great news.

[Joe]

Great move.

[Nik]

So the deal apparently has some escalators and an opt-out clause after year 5 but, quite frankly, if he's good enough for length of the deal to the point where he thinks opting out at 33 is a win for him that's fine.

[Deebo]

So the deal apparently has some escalators and an opt-out clause after year 5 but, quite frankly, if he's good enough for length of the deal to the point where he thinks opting out at 33 is a win for him that's fine.

The salary escalates for the years after the opt out.


https://twitter.com/ShiDavidi/status/1461407449924186127

[Nik]

So Steven Matz won't be coming back. He signed what is a pretty reasonable deal in terms of dollars(11 million per) but it's 4 years which seems like a long time to commit to a guy who hasn't put together two real solid years in a row yet.

I'm fine with the Jays not matching and was pretty lukewarm on bringing back Matz regardless(Ray and Gray for the Jays!) but I wonder if ultimately not qualifying Matz was a mistake. There seemed to be enough interest in him that either the Jays would get him for the one year at 18 million(a lot of money but low risk) or he'd turn it down and the Jays would have gotten the pick. Not a big deal either way but something to think about.

[L K]

So Steven Matz won't be coming back. He signed what is a pretty reasonable deal in terms of dollars(11 million per) but it's 4 years which seems like a long time to commit to a guy who hasn't put together two real solid years in a row yet.

I'm fine with the Jays not matching and was pretty lukewarm on bringing back Matz regardless(Ray and Gray for the Jays!) but I wonder if ultimately not qualifying Matz was a mistake. There seemed to be enough interest in him that either the Jays would get him for the one year at 18 million(a lot of money but low risk) or he'd turn it down and the Jays would have gotten the pick. Not a big deal either way but something to think about.

The only thing about qualifying Matz is that I think he probably takes that 18 million QO. 

The equivalent of money for him would be 3 years @ 8 million and that's the kind of contract pretty mediocre pitchers get. 

If the Jays say bring back Ray and sign a guy like Gaussman they did the right thing.  If we don't strike in free agency and Stripling/Pearson is our 5th starter the team made a mistake.

[Nik]

The only thing about qualifying Matz is that I think he probably takes that 18 million QO. 

You think? Even if 40+ million is on the table?

Anyway, I think you're right that ultimately what they do otherwise to address the pitching is more important. I'd love to see the Jays sign Seiya Suzuki and then go see what Gurriel/Kirk could land them in a trade from Miami or Oakland.

[bustaheims]

So Steven Matz won't be coming back. He signed what is a pretty reasonable deal in terms of dollars(11 million per) but it's 4 years which seems like a long time to commit to a guy who hasn't put together two real solid years in a row yet.

I'm fine with the Jays not matching and was pretty lukewarm on bringing back Matz regardless(Ray and Gray for the Jays!) but I wonder if ultimately not qualifying Matz was a mistake. There seemed to be enough interest in him that either the Jays would get him for the one year at 18 million(a lot of money but low risk) or he'd turn it down and the Jays would have gotten the pick. Not a big deal either way but something to think about.

A QO definitely changes the market on him. Are teams still willing to give him that kind of money if they need to give up a pick as part of it? Does he take a one year pay day and bet on himself for next winter? With the impending lockout, is that even a smart move? Really hard to tell.

[Dappleganger]

I didn't want Matz at $18.9m. Especially if it impeded the Jays ability to sign Max Scherzer.

[Nik]

A QO definitely changes the market on him. Are teams still willing to give him that kind of money if they need to give up a pick as part of it? Does he take a one year pay day and bet on himself for next winter? With the impending lockout, is that even a smart move? Really hard to tell.

You're probably right, I just am a little surprised he got a 4 year deal. It feels weird to me that you'd like Matz enough to give him 4 years/44 or like him enough to throw a twitter fit about him signing elsewhere like the Mets owner did but hold out at also throwing in a 2nd round pick.

Eh, no big loss either way.

[Nik]

I didn't want Matz at $18.9m. Especially if it impeded the Jays ability to sign Max Scherzer.

I would be shocked if Scherzer signed anywhere off the West Coast. Really, I doubt he signs outside of LA.