Josh Thole’s projected arbitration figure of $1.8 million was understandably deemed too rich for the Blue Jays in 2016. Wednesday’s non-tender decision releases him to the open market, but past the Blue Jays, which organization would even have Thole on their radar, let alone entertain signing him to a contract with any level of MLB opportunity?
The unique-to-Toronto value obviously lies in Thole’s ability to work with 41-year old knuckler R.A. Dickey. The two have worked in tandem for 867.1 innings, which amounts to over half of Dickey’s career innings pitched and a large majority since he’s made the transition to his signature pitch.