By: Aaden Lam – Sports Reporter

Joey Kyber jtkyber1, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

This past offseason contained some of the best talents in modern-day baseball, in players such as Cody Bellinger, Juan Soto, and the infamous Shohei Ohtani, all of which were targets for the Toronto Blue Jays to sign this winter. Sadly, the Jays have not signed any of these players, so that begs the question: What have they done this offseason?

The Jays had made several significant moves over this offseason, such as signing players like infielder Justin Turner, utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and pitcher Yariel Rodrigues. Additionally, they re-signed with returning outfielder Kevin Kiermaier. Let’s take a look at these players in further detail, and how the Jays can benefit from these moves. 

#1: INF Justin Turner

Justin Turner, who has been playing in the big leagues since 2007, is a certified veteran of the game and no doubt will be a valuable asset, filling the gap that Matt Chapman had left at third base, as well as acting as a solid reinforcement for the infield as a whole.

“Justin Turner has proven himself not only as an exceptional player on the field, but also an exemplary leader in the clubhouse,” Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins commented on his leadership and performance. 

#2: UT Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, also known as IKF, has played all around the diamond over the course of his career, even earning a Gold Glove award at third base in 2020. He is meant to be a replacement for the departing Whit Merrifield, who was able to play anywhere, an invaluable ability that greatly benefited the team because of his versatility.

#3: SP Yariel Rodriguez

Yariel Rodriguez is a starting pitcher who has not played in the MLB to date, but has an above-average career ERA of 3.07, with an impressive 604 strikeouts in 695.2 innings. Overall, he is an interesting player, and it will be exciting to see how he can hold up in the MLB. Fun fact: Rodriguez will be the first player of Cuban descent to pitch for the Jays. 

“Yariel brings a diverse arsenal, impressive athleticism, and ability to get swing and miss to our team,” Atkins commented about Rodriguez, and how he will contribute to the team.

#4. OF Kevin Kiermaier

Kevin Kiermaier, a returning face for the Jays, has signed a one-year deal with them for the 2024 season. Demonstrating impressive defense in the outfield last year and even hitting .265, which is above-average compared to his .249 career average. Overall, his reappearance will be beneficial to the team both defensively and in the clubhouse. 

Works Cited 

Deeds, Nick. “Blue Jays Re-Sign Kevin Kiermaier to One-Year Deal.” MLB Trade Rumors, 28 Dec. 2023, http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/blue-jays-kevin-kiermaier-reportedly-closing-in-on-reunion.html. Accessed 6 Mar. 2024.

Matheson, Keegan. “Justin Turner Signs 1-Year Deal with Blue Jays.” MLB.com, http://www.mlb.com/news/justin-turner-blue-jays-deal#:~:text=TORONTO%20%2D%2D%20The%20Blue%20Jays. Accessed 6 Mar. 2024.

Singh, David. “Blue Jays Person of Interest: Who Is Right-Hander Yariel Rodriguez?” Sportsnet.ca, 9 Feb. 2024, http://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/blue-jays-person-of-interest-who-is-right-hander-yariel-rodriguez/. Accessed 6 Mar. 2024.

Sportsnet. “Blue Jays Officially Sign IF Kiner-Falefa to Two-Year Contract.” Sportsnet.ca, 12 2023, http://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/blue-jays-make-official-signing-of-if-kiner-falefa-to-two-year-15m-deal/. Accessed 6 Mar. 2024.