The Blue Jays are in agreement on a contract with reliever John Axford, reports Jamie Campbell of Sportsnet (Twitter link). The 38-year-old hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2018.
Axford is best known for his early-career stint with the Brewers. He pitched to a 3.35 ERA with Milwaukee between 2009-13, compiling an MLB-leading 46 saves in 2011. As he entered his 30’s, the righty became something of a journeyman. He would go on to suit up for the Cardinals, Indians, Pirates, Rockies, A’s, Blue Jays and Dodgers over the next five years.
A Canada native, Axford signed a minors pact with the Jays in 2019 but spent essentially the entire season on the minor league injured list. His hope of a comeback in 2020 was derailed by the pandemic, but he’ll now return to affiliated ball. The Blue Jays relief corps has scuffled in recent weeks, with general manager Ross Atkins telling reporters today that upgrading the bullpen is a priority. Certainly, the Axford signing won’t stop the front office from continuing to hunt for external options, but there’s little risk in adding the veteran to the organization as non-roster depth.
Here we go again…
Axford used to rock a handlebar mustache.
Axford used to also rock skill controlling his fastball. It’s hard to say which it’s been longer since he rocked
What’s the big deal? Every team needs more pitching and the cost is minimal to look. As long as he’s not hurting those in the minors, I’d be happy to see the Red Sox sign him or others with past pro experience. It’s a balancing act between building the future and trying to win now. With the Jays’ bats, they should be in win now mode and continue to look under every rock.
Good signing. Low risk, potentially high reward.
Now sign David Robertson.
Ya Robertson would be a good gamble to take. The competition he’d be up against is awful and he pitched really good for the US team.
“Good signing, low risk, high reward” is basically the equivalent of “thoughts and prayers.” So in other words, meaningless.
That comment makes no sense
I actually don’t hate this too much. He apparently pitched pretty good for team Canada at Olympic qualifying, and beating out the performances of guys like Dolis or Beasley cant be too hard. Now go get Rich-Rod.
Now that would be a big-boy move. But I don’t think this is the Jays’ year. With all that talent their year will surely come, but don’t blow the whole wad trying to force-fit it into 2021.
Agree with the exception that if someone that fills a gap and also has term beyond this year they might as well
Or go get Brad Hand and Max Scherzer.
Could have had Hand for nothing more than the one year contract he already had.
Poor move not claiming him by just about all MLB GMs, but especially Atkins considering the state of the bullpen.
Atkins chose Yates. False grail used in Indiana Jones.
He was a broadcaster for the team earlier this season, acting as an analyst. Guess his analysis ended up being he saw a job opportunity there.
Give it time and we’ll get to see a signing of Justin Morneau too lol.
His analysis was “the bullpen is terrible. If you want something done right do it yourself” then ripped his suit off, already wearing the uniform underneath.
Ha!!
Jays could sign kazmir as the starter and put in Axford to close
Kazmir is signed with the Giants. Just watched him pitch in person for Sacramento on Friday.
Ya, why not eh?
Axford will fit right in with the 2021 Blue Jays bullpen, because he couldn’t find the strike zone with a white cane.
Crazy signing. Mind boggling.
lmao he was literally working a good job for sportsnet (the canadian sports network) and to what i assume enjoying baseball retirement then they sign him… will be interesting to see if he turns out to be a solid arm or not
Alright, I can always use another arm on my “All Older Than Me Team.”
Scraping the bottom of the barrel…..
Worst-case he’s a mentor in the minors.
David Cone is also available
Too bad they didn’t snatch up Barraclough when he was available.
Wow. Anyone know if he is on PED’s? Otherwise he’d be rolling the ball to the plate.
As long as we’re trotting out dusty old fossils, maybe we can get Matt Albers a job too
Whirly, and Mat Latos.
Let’s go positive with this one and say…..cool I hope he helps the club out and good for him
Jays could have had Barraclough for next to nothing, but now they’ll have to trade for him at the deadline if that’s the way they wanna go. Savvy move by MIN to snatch him up.
Someone else posted it so I can’t take credit but they said in a nutshell, “so THIS is why the rays are calling up Franco.”
Axford was on the Canadian roster for the Olympic baseball trials a few weeks ago so his arm will not be starting from 0. Should know fairly quickly what’s left in the tank. No harm no foul in trying I suppose.