7 players Toronto Blue Jays should target with the lockout over

With MLB owners and players agreeing on a new collective bargaining agreement and ending the lockout, the Toronto Blue Jays have some holes to fill.

Baseball is back and now the sprint to get deals done is on as teams like the Toronto Blue Jays try to solidify their rosters with the season not too far away.

Players will report to spring training on Friday after a 99-day lockout that left some skeptical of whether a full 162-game season would be possible. It’s hard to know how long it will take for teams to start making moves but when it starts, there will be a lot to digest.

Several big-name free agents remain without a team and there will be some urgency from agents to get their clients signed so that they can get to camp. The same could also be possible for teams that are considering a trade although some might be less inclined with 12 teams eligible to make the playoffs.

As we get ready for Blue Jays baseball to return we take a look at players who could be targeted by the team in free agency or by trade.

Is Jose Ramirez a realistic possibility for the Toronto Blue Jays?

If there is a player who should be at top of the Blue Jays trade list, it’s Jose Ramirez. The team should be concerned about not having an everyday third baseman right now and there is no player who fits what the team needs right now.

He has a team friendly contract with two years left and $26 million total. Not too bad for a play who had 36 home runs, 103 RBI and was sixth in AL MVP voting. You wonder why the Cleveland Guardians would consider trading him but considering he is a free agent at the end of his deal, they should look to capitalize on his value.

Cleveland also needs to decide whether they want to compete for a playoff spot because the last thing they should be is in limbo. So considering there is no pressure right now for the Guardians to move him, they would need to be enticed with a big package that Toronto might not be able to offer right now.