Blue Jays open to Votto, reportedly interested in Candelario, Suárez

The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in adding some new players ahead of the 2024 campaign.

Toronto met with the representatives of free-agent infielder Jeimer Candelario on Tuesday, according to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.

The club has also expressed interest in free-agent first baseman Joey Votto and trading for Seattle Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suárez, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.

"Incredible player, remarkable career," Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins said of Votto. "Massive impact in the community if he were to be a Toronto Blue Jay, so definitely something that we would have to consider if that was something he wanted to pursue."

Votto could provide the Blue Jays with a left-handed hitting veteran at first base who can also DH, similar to the role Brandon Belt filled in 2023.

The 40-year-old, who grew up near Toronto, hit .202/.314/.433 with 14 homers in 65 games for the Cincinnati Reds last season.

The 29-year-old Candelario had one of his finest seasons in 2023, posting an .807 OPS with 22 home runs, 39 doubles, and 70 RBIs in 140 games for the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs.

While he's a below-average third baseman by defensive runs saved, he was valued at two outs above average at the hot corner last season.

Candelario, who also has experience playing first base, could slot in at third if Matt Chapman departs in free agency.

Chapman has been the Blue Jays' third baseman for the last two seasons, but he's expected to command a lucrative deal in free agency after winning his fourth Gold Glove and hitting 17 homers in 2023.

Suárez, 32, has been one of baseball's top power hitters in recent years, tying for seventh in the majors with 229 home runs since 2016.

He's in the last season of his contract with the Mariners, which pays him $11.285 million in 2024.