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5 teams who should target Corey Dickerson

By Joshua Sadlock

HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 03: Corey Dickerson #10 of the Tampa Bay Rays singles in a run in the second inning as Evan Gattis #11 of the Houston Astros watches at Minute Maid Park on August 3, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 03: Corey Dickerson #10 of the Tampa Bay Rays singles in a run in the second inning as Evan Gattis #11 of the Houston Astros watches at Minute Maid Park on August 3, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN- SEPTEMBER 17: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on against the Minnesota Twins on September 17, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Blue Jays 13-7. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN- SEPTEMBER 17: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on against the Minnesota Twins on September 17, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Blue Jays 13-7. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

3. Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have their outfield corners figured out on paper, but the options should not inspire much confidence for a team looking to get back to the playoffs for a third time in four years after a disappointing 2017 season. Already running out one of the oldest lineups in the league, Toronto pegged soon-to-be 37-year-old Curtis Granderson to play a significant role in left field. With Jose Bautista’s career likely over, the Jays traded for Randal Grichuk to take over in right field. The 26-year-old has yet to establish himself as a consistent hitter at the MLB level.

Collectively, Blue Jays outfielders hit just .243/.312/.406 last year. That line should see a slight bump in power with Granderson and Grichuk replacing Ezequiel Carrera and Bautista. Neither will provide much help in the consistency department, however, as Granderson hit just .212 last year and Grichuk posted an on-base percentage well below .300.

In their final year before third baseman Josh Donaldson gets to test free agency, the Blue Jays should be willing to evaluate any and all potential contributors, especially on short-term deals. The additions of Granderson and Grichuk do nothing to elevate an offense that was 26th in the league last year with 693 runs.

For the Blue Jays, Granderson should not even be considered a lock to make the team out of Spring Training. He hit just .161/.288/.366 in 36 games after being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers last year. Granderson is probably still capable of hitting 25-plus home runs with a low average, but Corey Dickerson is a much better hitter and a similar defender. If he falls into the Blue Jays lap now, they should not be afraid to make the move.

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