3 Blue Jays free agents who won’t be back next season and why
By Tim Boyle
2) Blue Jays reliever David Phelps will continue his journeyman status elsewhere
David Phelps has reached the journeyman point of his career. On his second stint with the Blue Jays and just one of many teams he has pitched for, Phelps has managed to be a really good member of the team’s bullpen. Toronto could be in the mix to re-sign him in the offseason. This time, however, it could cost much more than the minor league deal he agreed to in the early part of the last winter.
The bullpen in Toronto hasn’t been a major strength, but with Phelps there this year, they have managed to be better than average. He’d be wise to seek out a major league deal this offseason. Frankly, it’s something he has earned with the way he’s pitched this season.
Phelps leaving the Blue Jays is mostly about odds than anything else. He has frequently changed teams throughout his career, as many relievers of his ability will do.
Unless Phelps really, really likes Toronto, he’ll have enough suitors willing to throw $2 million at him in 2023. The Blue Jays should probably look to get some younger and maybe even more controllable arms. Phelps wouldn’t be a bad fallback.
The stars don’t feel aligned for the relationship to continue after this year.