Blue Jays to Reportedly Sign Starter Tanner Roark
Tanner Roark made a name for himself with the Washington Nationals from 2013-2018, registering a 3.59 ERA in 182 games (141 starts) over that span.
He departed a year before the championship run when he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds (and then the Oakland Athletics), and now reportedly has a new team in the Toronto Blue Jays.
Right-hander Tanner Roark and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a deal, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2019
Roark had a combined 4.35 ERA last year between stints in Cincinnati and Oakland. That was nearly identical to the 4.34 ERA he posted in his final season in Washington in 2018.
Roark agreed to Jays deal. 24M, 2 years.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 11, 2019
It seems like a good deal for both sides. Roark gets $12 million per season and the Blue Jays add reliable rotation depth.
Toronto is still a few years away from contention and the focus is on the young core in town. Having Roark come in and eat up innings while also providing the staff with a positive-WAR veteran is a good way for a budget-conscious team to spend its money.