Toronto Blue Jays Offseason: What’s Been Done and What to Watch for

With the Toronto Blue Jays offseason in full swing, we decided to take a look at what has already happened and what could happen in the near future.

Here we are Toronto Blue Jays fans. The time has finally come, free agency is upon us and, unlike last year, the potential for major change is there.

Before we look into the needs that the Blue Jays have and must address this offseason, let’s quickly take a look at the players locked in for next season:

Lineup:

Catcher: Russell Martin (R)

Designated Hitter: Kendrys Morales (S)

First Base:

Second Base: Devon Travis (R)

Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki (R)

Third Base: Josh Donaldson (R)

Left Field:

Center Field: Kevin Pillar (R)

Right Field: Melvin Upton Jr. (R)

Bench: Ezequiel Carrera (L), Justin Smoak (S), Ryan Goins (L)

Starting Pitching:

Starter: Aaron Sanchez (R)

Starter: Marcus Stroman (R)

Starter: Marco Estrada (R)

Starter: J.A. Happ (L)

Starter: Francisco Liriano (L)

Starter: Joe Biagini (R)

Bullpen:

Closer: Roberto Osuna (R)

Set Up Man: Jason Grilli (R)

Set Up Man:

Reliever: Ryan Tepera (R)

Reliever: Danny Barnes (R)

Reliever: Matt Dermody (R)

Reliever:

Out of the 25-man roster, I counted 20 guys who are seemingly locked in for next season and barring a few surprises of who will/won’t make the Jays Opening Day roster, that leaves five roster places that have to be filled either through free agency or trade.

In my opinion, while making a few trades is something that the Jays usually do since they generally covet players with team control and are still arbitration eligible, I don’t advise the Blue Jays to spend all their prospect capital on players this offseason.

For me its simple, the Jays have five holes on this team (1B, LF, DH, backup catcher, and the bullpen), and luckily for Toronto this free agent class is actually strong in the areas where the Blue Jays have holes.