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

By James Middleton

Nov 8, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins during the MLB general managers meeting at the Omni Scottsdale Resort. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins during the MLB general managers meeting at the Omni Scottsdale Resort. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Blue Jays
Oct 7, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Ian Desmond (20) hits an RBI single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning of game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Corner Outfield:

Potential Options: Ian Desmond, Adam Eaton, Ender Inciarte, Charlie Blackmon, and Nick Markakis

At the moment the only player that the Blue Jays have who can play left field is Carrera. His inconsistency as a full time MLBer are widely known and his defense leaves a lot to be desired. Carrera is a player that the Blue Jays definitely like off the bench because of his left-handed bat, speed, and relatively solid record as a hitter in short spurts, but I cannot see him ever being an option as a starting outfielder for the Jays.

For the Blue Jays the only real options for them in free agency are Ian Desmond and, before signing with the Houston Astros, Josh Reddick. Desmond is a right-handed bat who had a really solid comeback season for the Rangers, batting .285 with 22 homers, 86 RBI, and a .335 OBP. I think he would be a really nice add for the Blue Jays at around four years and $48 Million, but unfortunately he was extended a qualifying offer and that would require draft pick compensation for signing him.

The other option — and a personal favorite of mine — was Josh Reddick, but since he signed in Houston he is no longer an option. Instead, the Jays will need to look elsewhere.

On the trade market, there are plenty of interesting options for the Jays, including Blackmon, Inciarte, Eaton, and Markakis. All of these guys bring something different to the table, but all are definite upgrades over Michael Saunders and Upton both offensively and defensively. Also as an added bonus? All of those players have decent speed and are left-handed bats, which is something that I think is going to be a major theme in making the Blue Jays a more balanced lineup.

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