Blue Jays release Ezequiel Carrera

The Blue Jays have parted ways with outfielder Ezequiel Carrera, reports Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.

This move felt expected after Carrera was outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo earlier this month. It was a mercy release in some ways, giving the 30-year old the chance to sow his wild oats for a team that could actually utilize him.

Toronto’s outfield is already stacked, and given the signing of free agent Curtis Granderson and the trade for young slugger Randal Grichuk this offseason, a place for Carrera was all but nonexistent. Match that with existing outfield staples, anti-gravity Kevin Pillar and Steve Pearce, and you come to a clear final conclusion.

Carrera’s departure from the team has little reflection on his performance with Toronto in his third year with the franchise. The corner outfielder slashed a decent 282/.356/.408 with 10 steals and a strong defensive presence in all three outfield spots.

If those numbers weren’t enough to reinforce that Carrera still has time in the big leauges, his batting against right-handed pitchers still holds a hefty value. Sporting a healthy slash line of .310/.376/.448, there’s power to be tapped into. He could be a welcome and affordable addition to a team looking for a veteran presence and some extra outfield depth.

Since he was released before Opening Day, the Blue Jays are not responsible for his would-be 2018 salary of $1.9M.