Jays: 3 Under the Radar Milb Free Agents

There’s a reason we’re named Mop-Up Duty. Here are three under the radar positional minor league free agents that could bolster the Jays organizational depth.

2B/3B: Will Rhymes

Age: 31

2011: Best Defensive 2B in AAA IL

Position Flexibility

Rhymes spent the entire 2013 season in AAA Syrcasue. His defense has always been there; but this time around, whether due to age/experience/dimished competition, he drasticaically improved his K rate.

In 133 games, he walked 69 times vs only 29 strikeouts. He ended the year with a decent .360 OBP.

Throughout the past few seasons, he’s played games at 2B, 3B, SS, LF & RF. And he also has 20K+ followers on Twitter @willrhymes

Now I’m not saying that Rhymes is starting material. But with his experience, position flexibility, strong defensive pedigree and his ability to work a count, I wouldn’t be opposed to having Will invited to spring training.

OF:  Quintin Berry

Age: 29

Main Orgs: Phillies (milb), Detroit (MLB), Boston (MLB)

Skills/Traits: Speed, defensive flexibility

With Davis likely costing more $$$ than the Jays want to pay, and the need for Gose to gain more off-clock experience down in AAA, I think Berry would be a great candidate for the Blue Jays. 29 for 29 in SB attempts in his career, he can play all three OF positions and provide speed off of the bench.

C: Luke Carlin

Age: 33

Main Orgs: Padres (MLB), Angels (MLB), Indians (MLB)

Attended High School in Gatineau, Quebec

Carlin isn’t going to set the world on fire with his bat, although he knows how to take a walk (74 BB vs 79 SO in roughly 500 PA at AAA level in past two seasons). He has a good defensive reputation (2006 Padres MILB best defensive catcher, +3.8 defensive runs in a limited 56 game sample at MLB level) and would be a great spring training invite, with potential to fill in for an injury at the MLB level during the season. Worst-case scenario, he could give the Jays a veteran presence behind the dish in AAA Buffalo.