The Toronto Blue Jays’ new front office is not resting on its laurels following the team’s playoff appearance last season, with starting pitcher R.A. Dickey reportedly available in a trade.
Jeff Blair of Sportsnet 590 The Fan reported that Dickey is “in play” for a possible deal if the Blue Jays find the right match.
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Blue Jays’ Pitching Surplus
Saturday, Jan. 9
The Blue Jays exercised Dickey’s $12 million option for 2016 in November. It’s the final year of the deal he signed prior to the 2013 season.
The 41-year-old has been a reliable presence in Toronto’s rotation, with 101 combined starts covering 681.2 innings over the past three seasons, though he’s been unable to reach the heights of his Cy Young season in 2012 as a member of the New York Mets.
New Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro is accustomed to making long-term decisions. He came over from Cleveland, where significant payroll restrictions forced him to trade marquee players to keep the talent pipeline fresh.
Shapiro has helped the Blue Jays acquire a lot of pitching depth this offseason, re-signing Marco Estrada, trading for Jesse Chavez and signing free agent J.A. Happ to go along with Dickey, Marcus Stroman and Drew Hutchison.
The team has picked the action back up recently, with Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reporting Friday it traded Ben Revere to Washington for Drew Storen.
Given Dickey’s age and contract status, it’s understandable why the Blue Jays would explore his market now to try to add a player who can provide impact at another area of need (left field) or a prospect who can play a role in their long-term future.
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