The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that utility player Cavan Biggio is designated for assignment to make room for Spencer Horwitz. Biggio had options remaining, but as a player with five years of service time, he would have to consent to an option. Presumably, he did not.
Blue Jays DFA Utility Player
ROSTER MOVES:
🔹 INF Spencer Horwitz recalled from Triple-A and will be active for tonight’s game
🔹 UTIL Cavan Biggio has been designated for assignment pic.twitter.com/vCZSiUmgDz
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 7, 2024
Cavan Biggio
Thank you for everything, Cavan Biggio 💔 pic.twitter.com/r9SERQLGDj
— Gate 14 Podcast (@Gate14Pod) June 7, 2024
Biggio appeared in 490 games across six seasons with the Blue Jays. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. Biggio finished fifth in the AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2019. He hit 16 home runs and 48 RBIs, 14 stolen bases. But this season, he’s only put up a .614 OPS in 44 games. The left-handed hitter is also known as the son of Hall of Famer Craig Biggio. He has played every position except pitcher and catcher. He’s a well-liked Blue Jay, but it has been frustrating to watch him take strike 3 right down the middle in many at-bats this season and struggle. He’s notched a batting average of .200 with two home runs, nine RBIs, and two stolen bases. With the Blue Jays under .500, they need to make a push, and they need offense.
Biggio is the type of player with pop to his bat and is certainly versatile but not what you would call a player who would make a significant impact. Shaking up the lineup is certainly a way to make adjustments, and if Horwitz can help the Blue Jays offensively, it will help them gain offense from all areas in the lineup. Fans are heartbroken over the news and will miss Biggio, and he will most likely get picked up by another team sooner rather than later.
Why Horwitz Is Called Up
Horwitz has been stellar in Triple-A Buffalo this season and also has MLB experience. Last season for the Blue Jays, he recorded 7 RBIs, a home run, and 10 hits last season. In Triple-A Buffalo this season, he has recorded a .335 batting average, three stolen bases, 38 RBIs, four home runs, and 71 hits. Horwitz’s focus this season has been on contact and lifting the ball. He has registered a 157 wRC+ in 259 PA.
Horwitz has displayed great plate discipline and solid power. He looks to add some well-needed offense to Toronto. Horwitz showcased power with his bat last season with the Blue Jays. While the Biggio DFA took everyone by surprise, giving Horwitz the call-up makes sense. He earns a chance to help the Blue Jays. Plate discipline is an important aspect of the game, and we need to see the Blue Jays revamp.
Main Photo Credits: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY Sports
