Free-agent closer David Robertson has a number of interested teams despite being costly and having draft pick compensation tied to him. Catcher Miguel Montero has the attention of many, but the D-Backs can't make up their mind on moving him.
It was expected Robertson would have a number of suitors if he were to hit the free agent market, but at this point in the offseason another team has emerged that's fairly surprising. Ken Davidoff of the New York Post writes, "the Toronto Blue Jays 'love' closer David Robertson, according to one industry source, and have engaged in dialogue with Robertson's agent Scott Leventhal."
Toronto has already made a number of moves this offseason, which include signing catcher Russell Martin to a five-year, $82 million deal (for which they lost their 2015 first round pick), acquiring third baseman Josh Donaldson in a five-player deal with the Oakland Athletics, and trading starter J.A. Happ to the Seattle Mariners for outfielder Michaael Saunders, among others. If they were to sign Robertson, it would likely be a big hit to the payroll and they would lose another draft pick, although they're bound to receive another one when another team signs Melky Cabrera.
Casey Janssen, who's been a solid closer for the Blue Jays over the past three seasons, is a free agent and the team is looking to upgrade their bullpen that ranked 25th in the MLB in ERA (4.09). While other pieces are needed, Robertson would be a solid addition because he's been pitching in the AL East for his entire career.
The Houston Astros are also still pursuing Robertson ever since expressing interest in him early in the offseason, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
In the National League, Miguel Montero is seemingly considered a commodity for a number of teams in need of a catcher, but the Arizona Diamondbacks are hesitant to trade him. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports writes the team's ownership vetoed a deal that would have sent Montero and prospects to the Los Angeles Dodgers for outfielder Andre Ethier and catcher Tim Federowicz.
However, Rosenthal said Arizona is "flirting with the idea" of putting Yasmany Tomas at third base, which would mean they would be in need of an outfielder, preferably a left-handed power bat. Trading Montero could be one way they go about acquiring one.
Aside from the Dodgers, the Chicago Cubs have expressed interest in Montero, but talks haven't gotten serious. The 31-year-old catcher is owed $40 million over the next three seasons and the Cubs certainly have the financial flexibility to take on his contract. With plentiful prospects, it's possible a trade happens, but it's unknown what the D-Backs would want in return from Chicago.
Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago says acquiring Montero could bridge the gap to Kyle Schwarber, the 21-year-old prospect who batted .344/.428/.634 in 72 games in Class-A this past season. The Cubs have said they're confident moving forward with Welington Castillo behind the plate, but it wouldn't be surprising if they jumped on another opportunity like they did with Joe Maddon.
