I wonder if it makes sense to try and sign Barger to a longer term deal. Good 3B defense, hits for power from the left side. Could be something there. I think there's a chance you can come to a deal where you guarantee him intergenerational wealth but pay less than he'd likely get otherwise. He has 2 pre-arb years and 4 arb years left, so maybe $30MM over 7 years? Something like 0.75, 0.75, 2, 4, 5, 6, 11.5 (FA year), but pay it equally over the seven as an incentive. You're taking on injury/regression risk, but if he keeps progressing you've got a bargain that frees up room for an FA signing.
Speaking of Barger...
Since the day of this post they've played 30 games. In that timeframe Barger has hit 9 HRs (a 48 HR pace), with a .272 average and .918(!) OPS.
I'm not saying he will keep that pace, but he doesn't have to for the contract I suggested above to be a huge bargain.
His defense is good enough (especially at positions like 3B/RF where arm strength is a big factor) that he can be an every day defensive player. If he hits 48 HR he's a superstar, but even at half that hedbe a very worthwhile long term add.
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And not that long ago many Jays fans had never heard of Barger, and after his MLB stint last season he looked like a nothing burger.
The Jays have quite a few prospects similar to Barger kicking around right now. Guys who have hit their way up the minor league ladder and if given a chance, might just pop as well.
Going to be interesting how he slots into this lineup when he comes back. You can't take Lukes or Barger out of the lineup. Varsho will take Lopefido's spot. Springer is excelling as a DH. I guess you can play Barger more at 3B and Santander can Platoon with Springer. He might be best suited as a very expensive bat off the bench.
Yes, Santander absolutely takes Lukes' spot lol.
Springer DH
Barger RF
Guerrero 1B
Bichette SS
Kirk C
Santander LF
Varsho CF
Clement 3B
Gimenez 2B
Lukes OF
Straw OF
Heineman C
?????? INF
Last edited by Hells Bells; 07-08-2025 at 10:37 AM.
Thankfully it doesn't sound like Santander is coming back any time soon. It would be hard to justify shoving him back in the lineup when he was on pace for -3bWAR this season and everyone else is playing so well. We'll see where the team is at when he does come back. But I hope Schneider will do the right thing and not just play Santander willy nilly because of his contract.
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I honestly haven't missed Varsho. His bat can be great for HRs and extra base hits but he strikes out an absolute ton. His defense is amazing but Straw can do most of what Varsho does in CF.
I honestly haven't missed Varsho. His bat can be great for HRs and extra base hits but he strikes out an absolute ton. His defense is amazing but Straw can do most of what Varsho does in CF.
Varsho is missed for sure. He's a clear upgrade on Straw or Lukes at CF
Santander I've not missed at all. He can take a long time coming back. Nobody should be getting taken out of the line up right now to show horn him in.
Jimenez, Wagner and Loperfido are all on the active roster.
When Gimenez, Varsho, and Santander are healthy those 3 will all go down. Having competition between good players for starts is a good thing.
Having OPS+ of 100+ players on the bench is great for pinch hitting. Bring Schneider in for Gimenez when there's a lefty reliever. Bring Lukes in to Clement's spot against righties, etc.
Last edited by bizaro86; 07-08-2025 at 03:52 PM.
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I think our bats are definitely fine, MAYBE a pinch hitter that could come in and make a difference if we need one come playoff time. Again, I think the bats are fine, which is saying a lot.
I do think we need a relief pitcher or two. What are some names out there that you guys think we should pursue? I’m not too well versed with those available and who you think would make sense for the Jays.
