More DH at-bats may be available Kirk could have a clearer path to playing time this season than previously expected, as Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the Blue Jays traded Randal Grichuk to the Rockies fo... Impact While the Grichuk-for-Tapia part of the deal doesn't reduce the number of MLB-caliber players on the Blue Jays' roster, it's partially a cost-cutting move and not necessarily a straight swap in terms of talent. Grichuk has a better bat than Tapia, with the former's 102 career wRC+ easily besting the latter's career mark of 78. Prior to the trade, Toronto's optimal configuration may have seen Grichuk in the outfield and Teoscar Hernandez at designated hitter, leaving Kirk to fight for playing time behind the plate with Danny Jansen. Now, the best setup may see Hernandez in the outfield, leaving Kirk to serve as the primary DH. Kirk is young and inexperienced but has the talent to fill the role, as he produced a strong 11.0 percent barrel rate and an excellent 11.6 percent strikeout rate in 60 games last season.
MARCH 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
