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Toronto Blue Jays preaching patience but acting in haste

By David Hill

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 26: General manager Ross Atkins of the Toronto Blue Jays speaks to the media before introducing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 before his MLB debut later tonight against the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre on April 26, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 26: General manager Ross Atkins of the Toronto Blue Jays speaks to the media before introducing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 before his MLB debut later tonight against the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre on April 26, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Blue Jays are claiming that they will be patient this offseason. Their actions thus far prove otherwise.

The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in an interesting situation as the offseason begins. While most teams are likely to be quiet in free agency, the Blue Jays are looking to add impact players on both sides of the ball as they attempt to build a perennial contender.

That does not necessarily mean that the Blue Jays are going to rush into signing free agents. General manager Ross Atkins said that Toronto is going to be patient in free agency, and not necessarily do their shopping early. Unless, of course, the right fit happens to be available for their desired price.

As it stands, the Blue Jays actions thus far belie this statement. They signed Robbie Ray early in the offseason, inking him to a one year contract worth $8 million. Even if they feel that Ray will be able to return to the form he displayed in his All Star season, that still appears to be a dramatic overpayment for a pitcher that completely lost the strike zone.

More Blue Jays. Ray just the first move of offseason. light

In theory, Ray could be that impact signing if he can return to form. In that All Star season in 2017, he had posted a 15-5 record with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.154 WHiP, striking out 2018 batters with 71 walks over his 162 innings. Any team would take that type of production at just $8 million.

However, that was three seasons ago. Ray cratered in 2020 as he lost his command, leading the National League in walks despite spending the final month of the season in the American League. Had the Blue Jays exercised the patience they are claiming, they likely would have been able to get Ray to return at a lower cost.

It remains to be seen what Atkins means by patience. If he does wait in free agency, it is entirely possible that he can land his targets at a decreased salary. That does lead to the risk that another team will jump in and land that player, but few teams are expected to be overly active in free agency. Patience could well be a virtue, provided that Atkins does not feel he has to bid against himself.

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The Toronto Blue Jays are urging patience this offseason. It remains to be seen if they will follow through.

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