The Blue Jays have designated outfielder Derek Fisher for assignment, per Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. The move clears space for the signing of right-hander David Phelps.
Fisher was the 37th overall pick of the Astros in 2014 and someone who ranked among their top prospects in the ensuing few years, but he hasn’t panned out in the majors thus far. He debuted in 2017 and has since batted .194/.286/.376 with 17 home runs and 10 stolen bases in 458 plate appearances, including 146 with the Blue Jays. Toronto acquired him from Houston in 2019 in a trade that saw righties Aaron Sanchez and Joe Biagini join the Astros.
Fisher is still just 27 years old, owner of a .289/.379/.520 line with 50 homers in 1,053 Triple-A PA, and not on track to become eligible for free agency until after 2024. All of that suggests another team could take a chance on him in a trade or via waivers. However, Fisher is out of minor league options, meaning he can’t be sent down without going back to the waiver wire.
Fell off a cliff
They should’ve pushed him off one.
This should make a bunch of people happy that were wanting Fisher jettisoned off the Blue Jays roster.
To be honest, I was surprised to see he was still on the 40-man after the season. I initially thought he was gone along with Drury and McKinney.
Finally!!!!!!
Who’s gonna play CF now?
george springer
I read somewhere the Blue Jays were interested in him….
Duh
Damn, Connor… not even a baseball-reference link for his name. Cold as ice.
I was a big fan of his coming out of UVA. Still think some talent is there but he needs to show it
He has never even received more than 150 ABs. Granted you have to earn those but still, the jury ought to still be out, he’s only 27 with 402 total ABs. Uh, Houston…round 2, can he play CF?
YES! Finally no more watching Derek “routine flyball” Fisher
A fringe team should pick him up and try to resuscitate his career
Pirates say “No thanks”, we’re still trying to resuscitate another former TBJ OF’er named Anthony Alford. 🙂
haha true true. maybe Tigers pick him up and drop Christin Stewart
nevermind Tigers picked up Mazara to do that
If there is a former Blue Jay I want to see break out in a big way, it’s Alford. The guy has just had so much bad luck. I’d love to see him healthy and finally get a good look.
Derek Fisher could be the lefthanded bat the Seattle Mariners have been seeking to keep the seat warm in left field until the touted prospects arrive.
Or not.
Oh was Seattle looking for someone who strikes out all the time and tries to catch flyballs with his face?
Yes. If I’m the Tigers or Pirates sign him and let him play full time for 2 years. Sink or swim.
What?¿?
Feels like a pirates or orioles pick up
See my above comment about the Bucs.
signs a minor league deal with the angels?
I remember when he was with Houston, one of the analysts said he would not amount to much. Too bad the Jays didn’t get any value in that deal.
neither did the astros thankfully
who’s next robert horry
YES
OH MY GOODNESS YES
6 MONTHS OVERDUE
16 months.
Thank you sweet baby Jesus
Here comes the Pirates to swoop in…. wait for it…..
Seems like the replacement for Benetendi in Boston.
He can easily bat cleanup for the Pirates, just the way he is.
That is too funny, but so true
The ball off the forehead, then the two missed routine fly balls in yankee stadium…I mean I know it’s not easy to make the major leagues, and he seemed almost set up to fail after trading 3 pieces for him, but, it just got so, really bad. I will say he did show a bit of pop and does have some speed, I hope he does well but, he should of been cut a long time ago.
If the jays don’t resign walker I will (no matter how illogical it is) blame those plays as the reason he doesn’t want to play for the jays
Ya, I remember that game well. I agree with most of what Atkins has done over the years , It’s kind of embarrassing though that for whatever reason they hung onto this guy so long, must of owed someone a favour. I mean I think Fisher if he gains his confidence back he could be a useful depth piece, or maybe more, I don’t know, but I’m sure it wasn’t going to be in Toronto after all that has transpired.
I might have said the same thing about Teo until last year. Not having options remaining is a big roadblock to Fischer getting regular at-bats, which he sorely needs.
Teo always had the prodigious power , that was easily apparent since he first saw action with the jays. He had 40 homer guy written all over him, plus a bit of speed, his defense and plate approach were the red flags.
Siiiiiigh of relief
FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SFG looking for a LH OF platoon guy. Why not Fisher?
Fisher wouldn’t make a good platoon guy unless it’s to be the reverse side. He has pretty extreme reverse splits. 110 career wRC+ vs LHP compared to 68 vs. RHP..
Appreciate the splits but I can’t dismiss a guy on under 400 AB’s over 4 years. Not to mention he’s not up against Springer in SF, try Dubon.
Did his bad defense not give it away?
He is 5 Tool Player wishing him the best!
Sorry it didn’t work out in Toronto.
Five tool player? He can’t hit, he can’t field, he can’t run defensive routes well.
How is he a five tool player?
@Jimmertee
In his garage at home he has a screwdriver, drill, hammer, pliers, and sabre saw.
@Mrtwotone, Bahahahaha, laugh of the day right there!
Twotone, well done.
He can fix anything but his career.
Exactly. At this point, Derek Fisher’s only shot at being a five-tool is if he goes and becomes an HVAC technician.
@bluejaysforever
Oh he has five tools alright 1. striking out 2. sucking in rf 3. flying out to rf 4. the ability to use his face for a glove 5. Unable to run a decent route. Oh yeah hes got five tools alright, and he can keep all 5 as he skips out of TO
A top prospect that was never handled right and hasn’t had a chance to just play the dang game. rebuilding team, O’s, rangers, even Red Sox need to give him a long look
I’d usually put more effort into a post but at this point:
lmao
Trust me, we can’t tell the difference.
Walk into traffic.
Thank goodness for everyone.
Fisher came to town reading he was a horrible return by fans and honest analysts (horrible deal for both sides actually).
Derek played liked he was terrified to make a mistake which all but ensures you do. His defence was vomit inspired – I mean it was really that bad. Jays fan literally held their breath on a routine fly balls which he routinely DROPPED.
Here’s hoping Derek can turn the page with a fresh start but most analysts say he likely will not amount to anything more than a 4th outfielder.
Well said. There’s a reason he was a former top prospect and there’s a reason he has always destroyed the minors. But he had to go from here, and he needs a fresh start in a new city badly. I wish him well but I’m certainly not sad to see him go.
Thank goodness for everyone.
Fisher came to town reading he was a horrible return by fans and honest analysts (deal was bad for both sides actually).
Derek played liked he was terrified to make a mistake which all but ensures you do. His defence was vomit inspired – I mean it was really that bad. Jays fan literally held their breath on a routine fly balls which he routinely DROPPED.
Here’s hoping Derek can turn the page with a fresh start but most analysts say he likely will not amount to anything more than a 4th outfielder.
His defense was awful. He made Teoscar look like Jesse Barfield.
I thought he’d be a better fielder, especially the way he kept his eye on the ball.
Fishman finally got off the hook and swam away!
Fishman finally got off the hook and swam away!
I swear people act like this dude is 40 and has been on the bench for 20 years lol
This was years overdue. Finally.
The BlueJays should DFA Atkins next.
Can this board DFA you?
Outright release skip the 7 day for him to clear waivers
He should retire as an LA Laker.
0.4!
Yeah, I always remembered him as being pretty good for the Lakers. I guess the move to Toronto just didn’t work out.
couldn’t guard the pick and roll
At least you didn’t call the old Titans coach Derek Fisher like my dumb self did lol. I always got the basketball and football “Fisher” names reversed.
What am I going to do with my Fisher jersey?
Hmm what to do with a Derek Fisher jersey: dishrag, shopcloth, or flag for the long load on the trailer? Wait, how about Christmas gift for Mark Shapiro. If you get it in the mail now…..
Said no one ever
Jayswoodie: Get a discount Price jersey to sell or wear as a combo
Fisher could be a fit for the Mariners to keep the seat in LF warm for til the kids come up. A return to the Astros may not be out of the question
I’ve been waiting for this SO long!
Best thing for him. Best thing for the team. But who will now be the object of scorn for all the haters out there?
I remember when he took the routine pop up off the face, the broadcast went silent, Dan and Buck had to take a moment, even they seemed embarrassed, and it didn’t get any better from there. Nobody is hating, it’s the major leagues.
My bet is Randall Grichuk.
Long overdue. Fisher has the body and athleticism to be a good baseball player. A good psychologist could help him overcome what is preventing him from being productive. The Blue Jays held onto him far too long.
Happy for Jonathan Davis having a shot at being on the roster as the 5th OF. Guy is gritty and can D up.
I have always liked Davis as a player. I would like an atsute hitting coach to say to him, “just pound the pitch in the ground and run”.
Like Lou Brown? I agree.
Are you sure his wrists can handle that much stress?
Fisher is a better fit in the KBO or NPB.
mlb the show god
Hard to establish yourself with only 100 AB’s a year. I feel like he never really got a chance to find consistency at the plate. But also hard to stay in the majors when you can’t catch a ball any better than a 12 year old.
thank god
It’s about time. Now I want to see the Pirates, A’s, and Marlins fight to death to sign Fisher.
Front office moving on from Fisher and Yamaguchi. Essentially admitting their mistakes. And I have to applaud that. Good on you Shapkins! Respect.
I wouldn’t mind seeing him in Houston as the 4th OFer given the enormous hole in CF. I wouldn’t trade for him, but maybe sign him to a small deal.