Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith reports that the Blue Jays are “far along” in contract negotiations with pitcher Mat Latos.
Latos, 29, had a forgettable 2016 season. He started off the season great with the White Sox, then faltered before being released in mid-June. He signed with the Nationals at the end of the month but couldn’t regain his footing. Overall, Latos posted a 4.89 ERA with a 42/30 K/BB ratio in 70 innings.
The Blue Jays’ rotation is already spoken for with Aaron Sanchez, Marco Estrada, J.A. Happ, Marcus Stroman, and Francisco Liriano. If the club were to sign Latos, he could work out of the bullpen and provide starting depth as needed.