:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68725394/usa_today_14948288.0.jpg)
Marcus Semien now adds to a loaded Toronto Blue Jays lineup:
Infielder Marcus Semien is in agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays on a one-year, $18 million contract, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 26, 2021
That may sound a bit steep, but it’s only for one year. And Semien can adequately play second, short, and third—so the flexibility he brings in real life is great, especially if he bounces back offensively. For now, it sounds like he’ll slot in at the keystone:
Current #BlueJays plan is to use Marcus Semien at 2B, with Cavan Biggio sliding over to 3B, where he played 10 of his final 13 games last season, including playoffs. Jays will be open to using Vladimir Guerrero Jr., at third, as well, but most likely it's Biggio's spot.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) January 26, 2021
That means it’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sliding over to first base, with popular sleeper Rowdy Tellez likely being the big loser here as far as playing time goes. Best case, Tellez bats against righties and takes a seat against all lefties...the probable lineup for Toronto even has Randal Grichuk on the bench. Great problem for the Jays in real life, but pretty sketchy if you have early shares of Tellez or Grichuk.
I see Semien batting in the heart of the lineup—probably sixth—but it’s a loaded lineup. Semien’s current ADP of 148 is destined to rise with this newfound clarity. I’d imagine at least to the Carlos Correa territory, in the 120-140 range. I’d pay that if I was in need of a power bat, and Semien will have the added bonus of 2B/SS eligibility mostly likely—check your league settings, gamers!