Yesterday we heard the Toronto Blue Jays are pushing hard for a closer; could it be via trade instead of free agency? According to Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun, the Jays have inquired on Rockies closer Huston Street.
Street, 28, posted a career worse 3.86 ERA and 1.217 WHIP across 58.1 innings of work last season for the Rockies. However, Street's 8.49 K/9, 1.39 BB/9 (good for a career best 6.11 K/BB) and a HR/FB rate more than 7% higher than Street's career norm indicate a bounce back season in 2012. Pitching outside of hitter-friendly Coors Field will obviously be a boost to Street's traditional statistics, too.
Street, entering his final guaranteed year on a three-year, $22.5 million contract, will earn $7.5 million in 2012. The Texas native also has a $9 million mutual option for 2013 ($500K buyout).
After seeing the record-breaking contract Jonathan Papelbon received, the $8 million guaranteed to the closer may actually be below market value this offseason.