Report: Blue Jays 'far along in discussions' with Latos
The Toronto Blue Jays held their first official workout for pitchers and catchers Wednesday, but the front office doesn't appear completely satisfied with the depth at camp.
In search of additional support in the rotation, the Blue Jays are reportedly "far along in discussions" with free-agent right-hander Mat Latos, industry sources told Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.
Latos was once a dependable top-of-the-rotation starter during his time with the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds, though injuries and struggles have led him to bounce around from club to club in recent years.
The 29-year-old has seen time with five organizations over the last two seasons and spent 2016 split between the Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals, posting a 4.89 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts in 70 innings.
Toronto's rotation appears set heading into the spring with J.A. Happ, Marcus Stroman, Aaron Sanchez, Marco Estrada, and Francisco Liriano, but depth behind the five is lacking.
Should there be no room for Latos as a starter, the Blue Jays could look to use him in the bullpen as a swingman. He made five appearances in relief last season, allowing six runs over 5 1/3 innings.
Nicholson-Smith adds there's no guarantee the sides will reach a deal.