Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays announced Sunday that first base coach Mark Budzinski is taking a leave of absence following the death of his daughter Julia.

"The Budzinskis have been part of our Blue Jays family over the last four seasons," general manager Ross Atkins said. "This devastating loss is felt by our entire organization and we grieve alongside Bud and his family."

Luis Hurtado took over for Budzinski as the first base coach midway through Saturday's 11-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. The team said following the game Budzinski was tending to a "personal matter."

The Blue Jays named Budzinski as their first base coach ahead of the 2019 season. Prior to that, he had worked on the Cleveland Guardians' staff and managed across multiple levels in their minor league system.

The 48-year-old made four appearances as an MLB player for the Cincinnati Reds in 2003.

Toronto Blue Jays center fielder George Springer left his team's road game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday with a left ankle sprain.

The injury occurred after Springer made a leaping catch attempt on a deep Kevin Kiermaier shot to center field in the bottom of the second inning.

Despite Springer's valiant effort, the ball fell in play, and Kiermaier ended up with a triple.

Springer stayed in the game and took a third inning at-bat that ended with a groundout. After the half-inning ended, Ramiel Tapia replaced him in the lineup.

The 31-year-old signed a six-year, $150 million contract to join the Blue Jays in 2021. Prior to his Toronto stint, he spent seven years with the Houston Astros, making three All-Star teams and winning the 2017 World Series, earning the Fall Classic MVP in the process.

He also earned a pair of Silver Slugger awards en route to a stat line of .270 (.852 OPS), 174 home runs and 458 RBI.

Springer was excellent in limited action with the Blue Jays, hitting .264 (.907 OPS) with 22 home runs and 50 RBI in 78 games.

However, injuries kept him off the field for much of the season. A left oblique strain put him on the injured list in April, and a right quad strain placed him there in May.

Springer only suited up four times until June 22 but was a power-hitting force upon his return. Unfortunately, he was sidelined again after suffering a left knee sprain against the Seattle Mariners on Aug. 14.

Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors gave the information:

"Springer made an awkward landing while attempting to catch a Ty France triple to the wall in the seventh inning, and Springer immediately grabbed at his ankle area after hitting the ground. He was able to walk off the field under his own power, albeit gingerly."

Toronto announced that Springer would go on the 10-day injured list on Aug. 17. He returned to the team on Aug. 30.

This season, Springer entered Friday hitting .283 (.875 OPS) with seven home runs and 18 RBI in 31 games.

Springer is obviously a tough loss, largely because of his tremendous bat. If he has to miss extended time, options to replace him in the lineup include Tapia and Bradley Zimmer.

The Toronto Blue Jays and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have agreed to a $7.9 million contract for the 2022 season to avoid arbitration, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

The 23-year-old hit .311 (1.002 OPS) with an American League-leading 48 home runs and 111 RBI last year. His 123 runs scored also led the AL.

Guerrero, who was named an All-Star and earned the Silver Slugger, finished second in the American League MVP voting behind the Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani.

Per Baseball-Reference, 2022 marks the first year that Guerrero was eligible for arbitration. He is currently set to become a free agent in 2026 barring an agreement on a long-term contract extension.

The Blue Jays would certainly hope to lock up one of the game's best players long-term. He's a big reason why Toronto, which posted losing seasons from 2017-19, has gotten back on track.

The Blue Jays made the playoffs in 2020 and finished one game short of them in 2021 despite a solid 91-71 mark. Per Baseball-Reference, the Jays were unlucky and actually finished with a Pythagorean record of 99-63.

Toronto lost ace pitcher Robbie Ray and slugging middle infielder Marcus Semien this offseason to free agency, but the Blue Jays still return some strong hitters (e.g. Guerrero, Bo Bichette, George Springer, Teoscar Hernandez). They also added starting right-hander Kevin Gausman (14-6, 2.81 ERA).

Toronto opens its season on Friday, April 8 at home against the Texas Rangers.

The Toronto Blue Jays have hired former baseball operations research and development intern Jaime Vieira to serve as a minor league hitting coach in 2022, per The Athletic.

That makes her the first female coach the organization has ever hired at any level.

Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reported that "where she ends up coaching this season wasn't immediately clear as the club is still finalizing roles for its minor league staff."

Viera previously played and coached softball for Ontario's University of Guelph-Humber.

She's one of a growing number of female hires in Major League Baseball.

Rachel Balkovec was reportedly hired this week to manage the New York Yankees' Low-A Tampa Tarpons, per Lindsey Adler of The Athletic, making her the first female manager in affiliated professional baseball.

Kim Ng became the first female MLB general manager in 2020 when the Miami Marlins hired her, while Alyssa Nakken became the first woman on an MLB coaching staff that same year when Gabe Kapler hired her as a coaching assistant for the San Francisco Giants.

And Bianca Smith became the first Black woman to coach professional baseball when the Boston Red Sox hired her to work at their Fort Myers development facility in Florida.

The Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly "been the most aggressive in pursuit" of Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki, according to Sean McAdam of the Boston Sports Journal. 

McAdam added that Boston's trade for Jackie Bradley Jr. "has more than a few people in the game believing that the Sox are intent on landing Suzuki, whose posting process was frozen when the lockout went in effect. The thinking: Suzuki could play right field for the Sox, replacing Hunter Renfroe both defensively and as a productive right-handed bat. The Sox could then keep Kike Hernandez in center and Alex Verdugo in left."

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman didn't confirm or deny the team's potential interest in the Japanese outfielder, however.

"I can't speak to even that. If he comes over here, it would be a major-league situation," he told reporters Sunday, referring to the lockout that prevents team officials from publicly speaking about rostered players and free agents. "So I can't speak to that."

Suzuki's deadline to sign with an MLB team is Monday, Dec. 22 at 5 p.m. ET. Per the Associated Press, his posting fee to that will go to his current club, Central League's Hiroshima Toyo Carp, will be "20 percent of the first $25 million of a major league contract, including earned bonuses and options."

That will then drop to 17.5 percent of the next $25 million on the deal, 15 percent over $50 million and a "supplemental fee of 15 percent of any earned bonuses, salary escalators and exercised options."

Suzuki, 27, hit .319 with 38 homers and 88 RBI for Hiroshima this past season. He's a four-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glover and won the 2019 batting title. He has a .315 career batting average with 182 homers.

With the biggest names in free agency at shortstop and starting pitcher—at least before the league's owners locked out the players after the collective bargaining agreement expired—Suzuki would be an excellent addition for teams in need of bolstering in the outfield. 

Other players to watch for outfield-needy teams include Nick Castellanos, Kyle Schwarber and Michael Conforto.  

Chris Taylor has plenty of suitors in free agency.

According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Los Angeles Dodgers "would like to retain" Taylor, but the veteran utilityman is receiving "broad interest" from around baseball, with the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals all reportedly checking in.

Jon Heyman of the MLB Network added earlier Monday that the Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins were "interested" in Taylor.

Taylor, 31, hit .254 with 20 homers, 73 RBI, 92 runs, 13 stolen bases and a .782 OPS in the 2021 season for the L.A. across 148 games. That sort of production wasn't a fluke—he hit 21 dingers and had an .850 OPS in 2017 for the Dodgers. 

But it was fantastic production for a player who made appearances at every position in the field except for pitcher, catcher and first base. That positional versatility makes his solid production at the plate all the more valuable. 

The fact that Taylor could feasibly start for a team as an outfielder or at second base—while being flexible enough to fill in at other positions throughout the year—made him an obvious target for teams around baseball.

But the Dodgers probably can't afford to let him slip away, especially after watching Max Scherzer sign with the New York Mets and Corey Seager head to the Texas Rangers. Clayton Kershaw and Kenley Jansen also remain free agents.

It's very possible that the 2020 champions could see an unprecedented exodus if they don't prioritize retaining some of their own free agents. 

Taylor scratches enough itches for the Dodgers to remain worthy of a priority, even at a high cost. They'll have plenty of competition for his services, however. 

Robbie Ray might be headed out the door, but Kevin Gausman is on his way north of the border.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Gausman agreed to a five-year, $110 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.

Ray remains unsigned. Even if the 2021 American League Cy Young Award winner winds up elsewhere, Toronto has a pretty formidable starting rotation with Gausman in tow:

• Jose Berrios 
• Kevin Gausman 
• Hyun Jim Ryu 
• Alek Manoah 
• Ross Stripling

Prior to signing Gausman, the Blue Jays were on track to have $111.3 million in total payroll commitments, per Spotrac, which put them 12th in MLB. If his salary is spread evenly over the five years ($22 million), Toronto would climb to 10th in terms of payroll.

Gausman's contract is the fourth-biggest in franchise history, and a telling fact is that three of the top four have now come within the last two offseasons.

Blue Jays fans watched the team reach the American League Championship Series in 2015 and 2016, only to turn around and post back-to-back losing seasons. Heading into 2019, there was at least some optimism about a farm system headlined by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette and what it could achieve in the future.

The organization turned a corner by making the playoffs in 2020 and while it missed out on the postseason in 2021, it had a higher winning percentage (91-71, .562) than the year before (32-28, .533).

Landing George Springer last winter and handing a seven-year, $131 million extension to Jose Berrios were both signs that ownership is willing to pony up in order to capitalize on a window for contention.

Passan reported Marcus Semien, who finished third in the AL MVP voting, agreed to a seven-year, $175 million deal with the Texas Rangers. There's also the uncertainty surrounding Ray. Their departures would obviously deal a blow to Toronto's hopes of claiming an AL East title in 2022.

On the whole, the offseason is still shaping up nicely for the Jays.

Former San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Kevin Gausman has agreed to a five-year, $110 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported Tuesday that Toronto was among the teams pursuing the right-hander.

Of note, Andy Martino of SNY reported the New York Mets offered Gausman a larger contract than the Blue Jays, though it's not clear how much more money was put on the table.

A nine-year veteran, Gausman was named to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career last season. He established himself as the ace of the Giants' pitching staff in his second year in San Francisco.

Gausman had a career year in the 2021 season, going 14-6 with a 2.81 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 227 strikeouts in 192 innings, all career-best numbers. He started twice in the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but San Francisco lost both games.

Gausman's 4.8 WAR, per FanGraphs, was a sharp improvement over his 1.6 WAR in 2020 and by far the best number of his career.

Gausman started his career with the Baltimore Orioles after being drafted fourth overall in the 2012 draft. He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2018 and spent some time with the Cincinnati Reds before signing a one-year deal with the Giants prior to the 2020 season. Gausman signed an $18.9 million qualifying offer to stay in San Francisco in 2021.

Signing Gausman gives Toronto another bona fide top-of the-rotation starter. Jose Berrios signed a seven-year, $131 million contract extension this offseason.

Of note, reigning American League Cy Young award winner Robbie Ray remains a free agent.

Gausman is hitting his stride in his career and could help Toronto improve on its 91-71 finish in 2022.

Free-agent starting pitcher Steven Matz could have a new home shortly.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported Monday that a deal for Matz "could come soon," as he has drawn interest from the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays. Heyman had reported over the weekend that the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals were also interested in the 30-year-old lefty.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported later Monday that the Mets are one of eight teams to offer Matz a contract:

Matz pitched for the Blue Jays in 2021, going 14-7 in 29 starts with a 3.82 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 144 strikeouts. A New York native, he spent the first six seasons of his career with the Mets. Last season was a bounce-back campaign for Matz as he went 0-5 in six starts in 2020 with a 9.68 ERA.

In 141 games with 136 starts, Matz has a career record of 45-48 with a 4.24 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 696 strikeouts.

Out of all the teams reportedly pursuing Matz, the Giants have been one of the more active clubs at the start of free agency, with their eyes set on improving their pitching. ESPN's Jeff Passan stated Monday that San Francisco is being "incredibly aggressive" in trying to shore up its rotation.

They've already re-signed starter Anthony DeSclafani to a three-year deal on Monday and are reportedly finalizing a deal to bring back Alex Wood. Kevin Gausman is a free agent, so pursuing Matz could be an insurance move for the Giants.

The Angels have also been focused on adding arms this offseason. Los Angeles signed starter Noah Syndergaard to a one-year deal last week and added reliever Aaron Loup on a two-year contract on Monday.

The addition of Matz would bolster any team's starting rotation, especially if he can duplicate his success from the 2021 season. He could also be the most reliable starter who wouldn't command major money. In addition to Gausman, this year's free-agent class includes high-profile starters Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer and Marcus Stroman.

The Boston Red Sox "remain in touch" with free-agent left-hander Steven Matz, according to MassLive's Chris Cotillo. 

Matz has a strong market, Cotillo added. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels and St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly among teams interested in him. The New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays also remain interested, per MLB Network's Jon Heyman.

Matz spent the 2021 season with the Toronto Blue Jays after six seasons with the New York Mets to begin his career. The 30-year-old went 14-7 with a 3.82 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 144 strikeouts in 150.2 innings across 29 starts. 

The Red Sox are in need of a starting pitcher after losing Eduardo Rodriguez to the Detroit Tigers in free agency. 

In addition to having a strong 2021 campaign, Matz has been a solid rotational arm throughout his career. In 141 games (136 starts), he is 45-48 with a 4.24 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. 

If Matz were to sign with the Red Sox, he would join a rotation that includes Chris Sale, Nathan Eovaldi, Nick Pivetta and Tanner Houck. 

Even if the Red Sox don't land Matz, chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom is set on acquiring a starting pitcher this winter. 

“We certainly want to have more guys who are capable of starting games in the big leagues and doing it well,” Bloom told reporters Wednesday, per Cotillo. “We’re not too focused on how famous they are. It’s more about what we think they can do. With that said, certainly a lot of the guys who could do the job well are also well-known. We’re focusing on those guys, too. We need to cover the whole map here and make sure we’re involved in everything that could help us.”

The Red Sox sat in the middle of the league in 2021 with a 4.26 ERA. 

It's unclear which other pitchers the Red Sox might be targeting. However, Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, Marcus Stroman and Kevin Gausman are still available.