Exit Philosophy with Griff and Mal

The MLB Hot Stove is heating up early with several significant trades and with important free agent tires being kicked in earnest. Griff and Mal discuss where the Blue Jays stand with regard to '26 team payroll and what it allows them to do in their attempt to repeat a trip to the World Series. What should be the key free agents they should pursue. Does that include a new closer too slot in ahead of Jeff Hoffman. What about their own free agent, Bo Bichette? Are they in danger of making the same mistake the Leafs did with Mitch Marner, letting him go and feeling they can replace him, no problem. Could a Jays rumoured Diamondbacks trade for 2B Ketel Marte be the solution? Have the GM Meetings in early November replaced the traditional Winter Meetings in importance? All this and more.

Index:

0:00 – Intro

0: 29 -The Hot Stove is Cooking

5:47 – Rule 5 Draft + Blue Jays Outlook

12:35 – Blue Jays 2025 Payroll Issues

17:13 – Relief Pitcher Market + Closer Needs

23:24 – Max Scherzer Wants Back in T.O.

25:29 – Blue Jays vs Maple Leaf Comps

28:10 – Run Prevention Trumps All

30:17 - Blue Jays Extended Window with Contracts

35:00 – Jays Marketing in Japan + Manfred Comments

36:46 – Blue Jays Rumour Mill + Free Agent Fits

49:30 – Final Managerial Spot Filled

51:10 – NFL Thanksgiving Preview

56:25 – Ellis Valentine Conversation Preview + Outro

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Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy

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For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/