Toronto exercised a trio of 2016 options, bringing back right fielder Jose Bautista, designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion, and right-hander R.A. Dickey for next season.
Bautista at $14 million and Encarnacion at $10 million were no-brainers, but Dickey at $12 million may have required some thought. He’s been no better than a mid-rotation starter in three seasons with the Blue Jays, posting ERAs of 4.21, 3.71, and 3.91.
Durability is Dickey’s biggest strength at this point and certainly $12 million for a good but not great starting pitcher is around the going rate, but at age 41 it’s possible buying the knuckleballer out for $1 million was a consideration.
Toronto did decline its $3 million option on Maicer Izturis, parting ways with the 35-year-old infielder for a $1 million buyout after an injury wrecked season.