The second batch of offseason signings are below. The Caesars don't anticipate making any further MLB signings and have a number of players targeted in the minor league phase of free agency.
John Jaso, C TB: Jaso has been a member of the Caesars since the inception of BSL. He received $4.5 million in the 2013 initial auction which included the rights to at least 2014 and 2015. He received a modest raise to $4.9 million through arbitration for 2014. His 2015 arbitration number soared to $7.8 million and led to him being non-tendered.
The Caesars were thrilled to sign Jaso for what amounted to a two year, $3 million contract. Jaso's problem over the past two seasons has been staying healthy and for $1.5 million a season, his offensive upside from the catcher's position is a reasonable gamble. His career numbers are .259/.359/.399 and he's eclipsed that .758 OPS in each of the last three seasons. Jaso has suffered season ending concussions in July 2013 and August 2014.
If Jaso stays healthy and exhibits no negative signs of his previous concussions, this contract is a steal for the Caesars. He was recently traded by the A's to the Rays. He projects to get more time at catcher with the Rays than he would have with the A's, but the Rays were adamant in stating they view him as a hitter first. The Rays will attempt to keep Jaso healthier by using him at DH more than catcher, but he should catch enough (20 games) to retain eligibility in BSL.
Dian Toscano, OF ATL: Toscano became eligible for free agency by signing a four year, $6 million major league contract with the Braves. The deal includes an option for a fifth year. The consensus view on Toscano is a role player, fourth outfielder. He never played for the Cuban National Team but performed well in the Cuban Serie Nacional. He played 265 games across five seasons with his last coming in 2013 as he was suspended for attempting to defect. In the Serie Nacional he was a lifetime .301/.405/.428 hitter with 13 career home runs and a career 80/99 K/BB ratio. He bats and throws left handed although his weak arm prevents him from playing RF. He has the speed to play CF.
He is only 25 and the Caesars are willing to give him a major league deal to see what he has. At worst, they project him as a bench OFer, with CF qualification. At best, he could turn into an everyday player with modest steals and batting average upside. Toscano has yet to officially sign with the Braves due to a visa issue. If that is not resolved by the start of the season, he will be placed on the restricted list.
Trevor Cahill, SP ARI: Cahill was non-tendered by the Dream Inceptors when his projected salary for this season was $5 million. This was Cahill's third arbitration eligible season, so he was destined to be a free agent next year. The Inceptors let him go after his disastrous 2014 season. Cahill's MLB contract pays him $12 million in 2015 and has team options for 2016 and 2017. Those options surely won't be picked up and the Diamondbacks couldn't get anyone to take Cahill for when they DFAed him last June.
Cahill struggled in 110.2 innings last season, mostly due to his walk rate increasing for the third consecutive season. He did, however, manage to also bump his strikeout rate up so his K/BB ratio wasn't as bad as it was in 2013. It appears Cahill has the ability to bounce back as he posted the second best FIP and xFIP of his career. He didn't get as many ground balls and let up an astounding amount of line drives.
The Caesars are hoping for a FIP induced bounce back from Cahill. They gave him a one year contract with a reasonable club option if he pitches 170 innings. The only way he will hit that mark is if he's healthy and effective, so it's likely to be a cheap, one year deal. He has an excellent chance of being at least a league average starter and the upside is there to be more of a mid-rotation arm. At worst, he'll be an effective RP as he's much better against RH than LH (.929 vs .657 OPS).
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