Oct 1, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Marcus Semien hits a single against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning at Rogers Centre.
There are reports that super-agent Scott Boras is trying to speed up the market ahead of the expiring CBA, which is certainly an interesting development.
There have been multiple reports that the league is looking to put some sort of spending cap in place, and all kinds of creative solutions to coming up with a “value” for players in modern baseball.
What makes sense to me is that Boras sees that the game is trending younger these days, and that’s not necessarily for the best for his clients when it comes to modern day free agency.
Which brings me back to the Blue Jays and wondering if this will affect their offseason plans much.
It’s possible that they could make an exception for a player they know and love like Semien, but I’m not betting on that happening, especially now that Boras is involved and the price is sure to be sky-high.
Blue Jays fans have gotten used to hearing rumours like, “The Blue Jays have checked in on _____” with nearly every notable player that becomes available in free agency, and also through the trade market.
As much as it seems like a no-brainer to spend somewhere in the neighbourhood of 50 million per year to retain Semien and Robbie Ray, they’re not the only stars that will need new contracts over the next few years.
It wouldn’t shock me if Atkins signed someone to a smaller deal before the next CBA is in place, but my money is on the Blue Jays waiting things out to get a better sense of the next market, especially for top of the market players like Semien.