The Blue Jays have made yet another depth signing today, agreeing to terms with LHP Randy Choate on a minor league deal, according to Sweeny Murti of Sportsradio 66 WFAN.
The last active member of the 2000 Yankees–LHP Randy Choate–going to Blue Jays camp on a minor league deal.
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) March 11, 2016
Choate, 40, is a veteran player likely looking for one last chance at big league success. He is famous for being strictly a LOOGY over his career. He has held lefties to just a .195/.276/.274 triple slash in his 15 year big league career, but has struggled against righties who have hit him to the tune of .290/.403/.404. However, his ability to get left handers out has deteriorated as he has gotten older, and last year with the St. Louis Cardinals, opposing lefties were all the way up to a .695 OPS against Choate in 94 plate appearances. His stuff has also gotten worse as he has aged, with his fastball averaging just 84.2 mph in 2015, compared to the 87.2 mph average it was at back in 2009.
The move comes days after Aaron Loup, the Blue Jays projected second lefty in the bullpen behind Brett Cecil, was shut down for 2 weeks due to forearm soreness. That type of injury is usually a precursor for a more significant injury to the UCL, which would require Tommy John surgery if large enough. Given that, the Blue Jays are smart to pick up Choate as an insurance plan if Loup will not be ready in time for Opening Day, or worse.
This is the latest signing in a concerted effort from the Blue Jays front office to strengthen the depth of the team and the Buffalo Bisons AAA roster. Choate will be competing with a plethora of other pitchers for the final two (or three, if Loup is injured) bullpen spots, including Rafael Soriano, David Aardsma, Joe Biagini, Bo Schultz, Ryan Tepera, Gavin Floyd, Steve Delabar, and Pat Venditte.
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