The Jays spent their way through free agency the last three years on the backs of a cheap, young, controllable group of position players. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is projected by MLBTradeRumors to earn $14.8 million (U.S.) next season through salary arbitration. Add in the guaranteed contracts and the Jays have a projected payroll of $182 million for 2023, per RosterResource. “We’ve had nothing but support, and a lot of flexibility, since Day 1,” Atkins said when asked about the Jays’ payroll during his end-of-season media availability. In the short term, the Jays could free up $7.6 million by non-tendering Raimel Tapia, Bradley Zimmer and Trent Thornton.

Source: thestar October 12, 2022 03:13 UTC