MLB Free Agency: Blue Jays, Marco Estrada close on two-year deal
Marco Estrada went from long-reliever to the most dependable starter on the Toronto Blue Jays roster, and he’s ready to cash in on the turnaround.
Marco Estrada became a unique candidate for a qualifying offer after a big 2015 season. Now it appears the Toronto Blue Jays are close to turning that big season into a two-year contract.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Blue Jays and Estrada are working on finalizing a two-year deal that will keep the right-hander in Toronto for the 2016 and 2017 season. Adding to the conversation, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports mentions that the goal is get physicals done and the deal signed prior to Friday’s deadline to accept or decline qualifying offers.
Hear if finalized Estrada will be 2-year at about $26M. #Bluejays
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 13, 2015
If #BlueJays are close on two-year deal with Estrada, as @Joelsherman1 said, it is likely done, pending a physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 13, 2015
The Blue Jays surprised many by extending Estrada a qualifying offer earlier this week, guaranteeing the right-hander a one-year, $15.8 million contract for 2016 if he accepted the deal. However, that play was more likely done in order to extend their negotiations with Estrada beyond the five-day exclusive window and hammer out a long-term deal.
Estrada, who was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Adam Lind last November, started the year in the bullpen but was thrust into the rotation in May and made the most of it. In 28 starts with the Blue Jays last season, the 32-year-old Estrada posted a 12-8 record with a 3.28 ERA and a 6.3 K/9 ratio.
While there was certainly interest on the open market in Estrada as a mid-tier starter, the qualifying offer and threat of losing a draft pick may have made him a tough sell to interested teams. Those teams would likely be hesitant in handing a multi-year deal and losing a pick for a pitcher that may have outperformed advanced indicators. While his ERA of 3.13 was certainly solid, his 4.40 FIP, 4.64 SIERA, and 52.3% fly-ball rate may have some wondering if the ERA was more an aberration that a trendsetter.
Working out a two-year deal with Toronto is a win-win for both sides. With a tepid market, Estrada could have sat on the free agent wire longer than desired and may have been forced to take a below market deal. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays bank some rotation depth for next season at a relatively reasonable price of $13 million, leaving them with some financial flexibility to add another piece.