Blue Jays GM says he believes Navarro will get his wish, but not sure when

DUNEDIN, Fla. – Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos says he believes he can accommodate catcher Dioner Navarro’s wish for a change in scenery. He’s just not sure when.

But Anthopoulos seems confident he will be able to move fast when the opportunity beckons.

Navarro, who has lost his starting job to newly acquired Russell Martin, has asked to be moved so he can play every day.

“A trade could present itself,” Anthopoulos said Tuesday. “I think in all the years I’ve been doing this, I’ve rarely if ever come out and say we’re looking to trade so-and-so, we’re going to make so-and-so. But with Dioner, we were very open from the outset.

“So I think if that everyday job presents itself for him, I think we’ll be able to get a deal done fast. Until that time comes, he’ll be part of the team. He’s still an outstanding player and can still help us win a lot of games until that time comes.”

That would likely involve time as a designated hitter.

Toronto also has Josh Thole, who has been knuckleballer R.A. Dickey’s personal catcher in recent years.

Anthopoulos said he understands Navarro’s position.

“He just wants to play. He had a wonderful year (last season) for us. Like I said at the time, we weren’t pushing to make a change behind the plate, it was just a unique opportunity to get a guy like Martin.”

The 31-year-old Navarro, who hit .274 with 12 home runs and 69 RBIs in 139 games in 2014, is in the final season of a two-year contract that will pay him US$5 million in 2015.

“If he’s being evaluated as an everyday player, we’re going to be able to make a deal pretty fast because we’ll get fair value and it will come together quick.”

On other matters, Anthopoulos said he did not expect any more free agent signings during the spring. Moving players via a trade is more likely at the end of the pre-season.

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