Free agency decisions for Semien, Ray loom over Jays' winter

TORONTO (AP) — Marcus Semien sounded like a man with unfinished business in Toronto after his Blue Jays endured a near-miss finish in the AL wild-card race.

Between now and spring training, the All-Star slugger must decide whether he wants to come back to Canada to try and finish it.

Semien and left-hander Robbie Ray, a favorite for the AL Cy Young award, are the two biggest free agents for a Blue Jays team whose 91 victories left them one win behind East rivals Boston and New York for a playoff spot.

Semien set a major league record with 45 home runs as a second baseman, and can expect a raft of offers this winter after betting on himself last offseason and signing a one-year, $18 million deal to switch positions and join the Jays.

“I feel like my power numbers speak for themselves,” Semien said. “I’m 31 years old but I feel like I’m getting better every day. My body feels great.”

After Toronto’s season ended in disappointment Sunday, All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette was asked about Semien’s impact on his development this year.

“Everything,” Bichette said, struggling to contain his emotions. “He’s meant a lot to me.”

Acknowledging that family considerations will factor into his decision, Semien didn’t hesitate when asked if he’d consider coming back to the Blue Jays.

“Of course,” he said. “We had the best offense in the major leagues and, in my mind, the best starting pitching in the game. How could you not want to be a part of that?”

Toronto led the major leagues in home runs (262) and slugging percentage (.466). Their 846 total runs were third-most behind Tampa Bay (857) and Houston (863).

Acquired from Arizona at the deadline in 2020, Ray returned to Toronto on a one-year, $8 million deal and went 13-7 with a 2.84...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Free-agency-decisions-for-Semien-Ray-loom-over-16509120.php