Would Jason Hammel Make Sense For The Blue Jays?

The Blue Jays have a need in their rotation. Joe Biagini is currently the team's fifth starter and he isn't the most inspiring choice after his 2017 performance as a starter. Behind Biagini is a group of unproven prospects who have yet to prove themselves at AAA and Chris Rowley. Add in the Aaron Sanchez blister questions, Marco Estrada's back issues and J.A. Happ's age and it's easy to see how the need for an extra quality starter is likely to arise in 2018.

The Blue Jays have always had trouble luring free agents to Toronto and they may have to look to the trade market if they hope to improve their rotation.

Jasom Hammel shouldn't be anybody's first choice to fill that role, but he is a veteran pitcher who should be able to at least keep the team in games. He is coming off a down year where his 5.29 ERA was his worst since 2007. His FIP was much better at 4.37 so there is a chance he could bounce back and provide a team with roughly 180 innings of league average production. For a team in Toronto's situation that could prove to be quite valuable. Hammel is a month and a half older than Happ, so there is the risk of age related decline with him as well. This isn't so much about getting a sure thing as it is about giving the team one more option that raises the floor of talent.

The Royals just traded for a younger and cheaper pitcher of similar talent in Jesse Hahn and that could make it easier for them to trade Hammel. They currently have Danny Duffy, Jakob Junis and Ian Kennedy ahead of Hammel on the depth chart, with Hahn and Nathan Karns also available to fill rotation spots. The Jays may line up well in terms of mutual needs and available resources.

Hammel's contract will see him paid $9MM in 2018, with a $12MM option on 2019 that includes a $2MM buyout. That contract is definitely more than what would get on the open market if he were a free agent, but it isn't a gross overpayment either. The Royals are said to be looking to shed payroll, especially if they are serious about signing Eric Hosmer. Trading for Hammel could work similarly to the Francisco Liriano deal from 2 years ago. The Blue Jays could essentially buy a mid-level prospect by agreeing to take on an overpaid player. The Royals have been rumored to being linked with free agent Melky Cabrera. If they are indeed shopping for an outfielder, they may have some interest in a player like Ezequiel Carerra.

There are still a number of better starters left on the market who will likely sign for less than what Hammel is set to make, but if the Jays can't get any of them to agree to come to Toronto, it might be worth looking to see if the Royals are willing to part with Hammel. If they can get him in a Liriano type of deal that could potentially help them in 2018 and also give them a prospect that may help during the Vlad Jr. years then it's a path that is worth considering.