As we head to the end of July, the Blue Jays are right in the middle of the AL East battle. With a 56-44 record they sit a mere 3.0 games back of the Orioles. The pitching rotation has had its ups and downs, but for the majority of the season have been reliable. The key characters have been having outstanding seasons as well, but it’s the role players that have kept Toronto in the hunt as well. One key member of that group is utility infielder Darwin Barney.
Drafted 127th in 2007 by the Chicago Cubs, he made his MLB debut in 2010 and was the Cubs everyday second basemen for over three seasons before being traded to the Dodgers in July of 2014. He signed with Toronto as a free agent in 2015 and after this season will become a UFA. His $1.05 cap hit will surely rise after the great season he has had with the Jays this year. He is a testament to what playing every day can do for a players’ production.
His bat has never been an element teams look at when acquiring his services. His .285 average this season is well above his career average. The 2012 Gold Glove winner is known for just that, his ability to keep the ball in the infield and get the much needed outs. In 635 career games he has committed only 30 errors. That’s less than one every twenty-two game. He is a valuable piece for the Blue Jays franchise, but don’t be surprised to see him not in the blue and white when the 2017 season commences.
He is worthy of having an opportunity to play every day but with Donaldson at 3B, Tulowitzki at SS, and Travis at 2B there just is not a spot for him in Toronto to do so. He may elect to resign with Toronto on the grounds that they are a contending team, but if a bubble team or another team outside the AL East is looking for a veteran infielder he may go there.
If I’m in Shapiro’s shoes I would sign Barney to a two year, $5 million deal. He deserves a pay raise and injuries do happen. If Tulo or Travis go down again next year, or struggle for an extended period of time, Barney has proved that he is more than capable of stepping in. He has been an everyday 2B before and if he elects to resign with the Jays they’re would surely be a battle during spring training for the starting 2B job.
Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @GHam614 and I hope you have enjoyed this weeks’ edition of the Blue Jays Player Profile.
