Report: Blue Jays, Howell agree to 1-year, $3M deal
The Toronto Blue Jays took a significant step in addressing their need for left-handed help in the bullpen Tuesday by reportedly agreeing to a one-year, $3-million contract with J.P. Howell, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Howell spent the last four seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and is coming off a down year in which he posted a 4.09 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 44 strikeouts across 50 2/3 innings.
The 33-year-old was among the majors' top lefty relievers from 2013-15 when he crafted a 1.97 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 155 innings. Howell owns a .249/.339/.389 career line with 43 home runs allowed against right-handed hitters, and a .229/.306/.317 line with 14 homers against lefties.
| YEAR | ERA | IP | WHIP | SO | RHB OPS | LHB OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 4.09 | 50.2 | 1.40 | 44 | .702 | .760 |
| 2015 | 1.43 | 44 | 1.38 | 39 | .823 | .518 |
| 2014 | 2.39 | 49 | 1.14 | 48 | .585 | .512 |
| 2013 | 2.03 | 62 | 1.04 | 54 | .608 | .452 |
Toronto's largest remaining need heading into spring training was that of a left-handed reliever, and now barring any other moves, Howell will likely serve as the Blue Jays' primary one out of the bullpen.
Prior to landing Howell, the Blue Jays were reportedly interested in Jerry Blevins, Craig Breslow, Travis Wood and Boone Logan. Rosenthal notes that the club is still looking to add a right-handed reliever in the one-year, $3-million range.