The Toronto Blue Jays are bracing for an offseason filled with significant roster changes. While Ryan Yarbrough remains the only unrestricted free agent, a number of arbitration-eligible players face uncertain futures, with some potentially being non-tendered. On the minor league front, however, two key players have already opted for free agency, adding to the Blue Jays’ concerns.
According to the Blue Jays’ transaction logs, catcher Brian Serven and right-handed pitcher Paolo Espino have elected to test the open market, leaving the team with additional gaps to fill. While these departures may not drastically alter the major league roster, they are notable losses, as both players contributed during the 2024 season.
Minor League Free Agents: Brian Serven and Paolo Espino
For 29-year-old catcher Brian Serven, his brief stint with the Blue Jays has come to an unceremonious end. Serven appeared in 28 games this season, struggling at the plate with a .159 batting average and a .465 OPS, along with four doubles and three RBIs. Known for his defensive skills, Serven also developed a reputation as pitcher Bowden Francis’s “personal catcher” in the latter part of the season. Despite this, the Blue Jays opted to acquire Tyler Heineman for the third consecutive year, leaving Serven without a spot on the roster.
At the Triple-A level with the Buffalo Bisons, Serven showed more promise, hitting .265 with a .769 OPS in 40 games, recording nine extra-base hits and 15 RBIs. His solid defensive work and steady performance in the minors should make him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their catching depth. Serven is expected to sign a minor league deal with another organization.
On the other hand, veteran pitcher Paolo Espino, 37, also chose free agency after making limited appearances for the Blue Jays in 2024. Espino pitched just 8.2 innings across three games, including one start, posting a disappointing 8.31 ERA. His struggles at the major league level, coupled with an up-and-down season in Triple-A (4.88 ERA in 86.2 innings), suggest that Espino may be past his prime as an MLB contributor.
Despite his on-field struggles, Espino has earned a reputation as a positive clubhouse presence and a mentor to younger players, making him a valuable addition for teams seeking leadership and experience. Like Serven, Espino is expected to land a minor league contract with another club but is unlikely to see significant time at the MLB level moving forward.
For the Blue Jays, the departures of Serven and Espino mark the beginning of what could be a period of roster uncertainty as they prepare for the 2025 season.
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