Toronto Blue Jays taking better approach to this year’s offseason
With the latest addition of Randal Grichuk, the Toronto Blue Jays are showing a more focused approach this offseason than what happened last year.
The Toronto Blue Jays knew the number one priority this offseason was to strengthen the depth of the infield and outfield. It is safe to say that they have been able to find adequate low cost options that fulfill those needs.
It started with the acquisition of Aledmys Diaz from the St. Louis Cardinals then trading for Yangervis Solarte from the San Diego Padres. Both provide a clear upgrade over Ryan Goins and Darwin Barney. The outfield however was always going to be more challenging.
The team had options with Kevin Pillar, Ezequiel Carrera, Steve Pearce then prospects like Anthony Alford, Teoscar Hernandez, Dalton Pompey and Dwight Smith Jr. as options. The Blue Jays knew that the outfield could use an upgrade and believe they have found that with Curtis Granderson and Randal Grichuk.
Now those two names do not sound like the most exciting options with players like Lorenzo Cain and J.D. Martinez on the free agent market. Those players will cost the Blue Jays a big chunk of change and unless they move some salary out, they might not have the budget to make it work and the moves they made give them way more financial flexibility down the road.
More from Tip of the Tower
- Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
- Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
- Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
- Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
- Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith
GM Ross Atkins spoke about Grichuk having the best chance to be the starting right fielder and at 26-years-old he gives the Blue Jays a young controllable player with upside. Going with a less expensive option also allows them to invest in pitching, an area that does not have as many options available.
After trading Dominic Leone, the Blue Jays will probably try to add an option in the bullpen through free agency or trading one of their depth outfielders like Carrera or Pearce or carry five outfielders. Sportsnet‘s Ben Nicholson-Smith believes the team has around $10-million to spend on pitching.
They also need depth in the starting rotation after what they went through last season with Aaron Sanchez‘s blister problems, and J.A. Happ missing some time. The team does not have to go out and add a top of the line pitcher, but someone who provides flexibility in the rotation as well as in the bullpen.
The Blue Jays had Brett Anderson for seven starts last season could return if the contract demands make sense, while Jason Vargas is another intriguing option. They certainly have the flexibility to get that done.
Next: Blue Jays acquire Randal Grichuk from St. Louis Cardinals
The fact the Blue Jays do not need to go out and make a big splash puts them in a better spot than last season. They cannot get caught up by what the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are doing.