Blue Jays break the bank for potential Robbie Ray replacement
The Toronto Blue Jays have gone all-in with a front-line pitcher in free agency, signing Kevin Gausman to a massive deal.
The Blue Jays knew they could lose Robbie Ray in free agency this offseason. They’ve just completed the move to make sure his absence won’t hit them too hard.
On Sunday night, Toronto completed a deal to bring in Kevin Gausman on a deal worth more than $100 million.
Blue Jays have Robbie Ray replacement in Kevin Gausman
Jeff Passan first reported the news of the five-year, $110 million deal.
BREAKING: Right-hander Kevin Gausman and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a five-year, $110 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 29, 2021
The Blue Jays were always going to have a bit of a choice between fighting to keep Ray and bringing in someone like Gausman. It’s possible they’ve made their pick there.
But Gausman isn’t the only new face they’ve added. They’ve also beefed up their bullpen by adding Yimi Garcia out of Houston.
Those moves won’t stop the hurt of losing out on Marcus Semien, the shortstop who just signed with the Rangers for $175 million. They definitely help though.
Ray’s future is still a mystery but it doesn’t seem to be totally set that he’ll leave Toronto. If he does end up signing elsewhere, the Blue Jays know they will still have a formidable pitching staff to move into the future with. Gausman ensures they’ll be in a good spot no matter what.
The 30-year-old was an All-Star for the first time in his career in 2021. He had an ERA of 2.81 while going 14-6 in 33 starts.
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