The Toronto Blue Jays are spending like they want to reach the World Series again.
The club has agreed to a three-year, $37 million deal with free-agent reliever Tyler Rogers, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. The deal reportedly includes a vesting option that would increase its value to $48 million.
Known for his funky submarine delivery, Rogers split last season between the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets. The former dealt him to the latter at the trade deadline, which didn’t stop him from leading the NL in appearances by a pitcher for the fourth time in six years.
Rogers has been a dependable option throughout his career, holding a career 2.76 ERA, and his delivery is effective against both righties and lefties. Neither side of the plate has a career OPS better than .650 against him.
Signing Rogers potentially opens a door to signing his twin brother, Taylor, who is similarly effective from the left side and also a free agent. The two played together for two seasons on the Giants.
It has been a busy offseason for the Blue Jays, who finished two outs short of a World Series title in November and have been throwing around their large-market muscle so far this winter.
The Jays executed the first big-time deal of the winter with former San Diego Padres starter Dylan Cease on a seven-year, $210 million contract, then added another starter to their rotation with Cody Ponce after his MVP season in South Korea.
Including Rogers, Toronto has now spent $277 million guaranteed on three arms, with plenty of offseason to go. Star infielder Bo Bichette remains a free agent they would like to have, and they are reportedly strong contenders for the offseason’s biggest free agent, Kyle Tucker.
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