The Jays payroll fog has lifted with MLB’s arbitration deadline seeing all seven roster players agree to terms for 2025, leaving well over $30M to add talent for a quick rebuild. But it still all seems to centre on Vlad Guerrero and whether he will be long-term or simply one and done as a ‘26 free agent. Vlad signed for $28.5M and what does that mean? Mal and I do a deep dive into the Jays projected final payroll and how they may spend to add talent with half the off-season remaining. Our Top 5 list is of current managers with no MLB playing experience. There are 12 of 30 when 25 years ago were just three. Finally it’s wildcard weekend in the NFL and we give you our picks.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 – Intro + Thanks

1:58 – Griff’s 43rd Wedding Anniversary

5:48 – Update on St. Catherines Collegiate League Team

9:30 – Blue Jays Arbitration Deadline Day

19:10 – Payroll Calculations + What to do

25:55 – History of Arbitration

29:22 – Arbitration Stories

31:40 – BONUS: Vladdy and Jays Come to Terms

42:45 – Top 5 Managers to Never Play in the Big Leagues

47:10 – Top Remaining Affordable Free Agents

1:01:25 – Are They Trying to Compete?

1:06:30 – NFL Wild Card Weekend Picks

1:17:55 - Outro

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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/