3 moves for the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason
The Toronto Blue Jays were so close, yet so far. One game was all that separated them from the postseason as their 91 win campaign was for naught. It is easy to regard the season as a disappointment from that viewpoint.
But that is not the case. The Blue Jays took a major step forward, showing that they can hold their own with the powerhouses in the AL East. With a young roster that is still developing, and plenty of weapons in the minors, the Blue Jays served notice that they are not going anywhere.
Three moves for the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason
There is still work that needs to be done. The Blue Jays have openings in the starting rotation, bullpen, and at second base. Trades seem inevitable due to their plethora of catching options and a backlog of outfielders. This offseason could be crucial for their hopes going forward.
The Toronto Blue Jays are on the cusp of being a playoff team. Let’s take a look at three moves they should make to take the next step.
Bring back one of their two key free agents
The Toronto Blue Jays extended the Qualifying Offer to both Robbie Ray and Marcus Semien. As both players are receiving a great deal of interest in free agency, it is not a surprise that both chose to decline that option.
This also leaves the Blue Jays in a difficult spot. While they have the money needed to improve their roster with an eye to the postseason, they may not be able to bring both players back. Not only would the cost be higher than they may expect, but they are going to have serious competition.
Cases can be made for both players. Ray finally reclaimed the promise he showed in 2017 and 2018, re-establishing himself as a viable top of the rotation arm. Semien, meanwhile, not only set a record for homers in a season by a second baseman, but he also won a Gold Glove while being the most valuable player in the AL not named Shohei Ohtani.
Of the two, Semien may be the biggest priority. As difficult as it may be to find a top of the rotation arm, Gold Glove second basemen who hit 40+ homers are even rarer to find. Semien seemed to enjoy his time with the Blue Jays, and indicated that his preferences would either be to stay there or head to the West Coast.
The Toronto Blue Jays need to keep one of their two key free agents. Considering the resources at their disposal, it is entirely possible they can.
Move some of the catching depth
The Toronto Blue Jays have a problem that most teams would love to have – they have four major league caliber catchers and not enough room for all of them.
This puts the Blue Jays in a prime position to make a trade. Plenty of teams are looking for help behind the plate, and the options available in free agency are not exactly appealing. Yan Gomes may be the best option on the market, but he is not exactly a given as a starter.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays do have holes to fill. As mentioned previously, they could use another piece in the rotation, help in the bullpen, and an infielder. That surplus of young, talented catchers could help to fill at least one of those holes.
There are already several rumors about a potential trade. The Marlins are looking to move some of their arbitration eligible pitchers to make room for the next wave of young arms. A deal between the two teams could work.
Plenty of teams are looking for help behind the plate. The Toronto Blue Jays’ riches at the catcher position could allow them to upgrade in a variety of areas.
Sign Kenley Jansen
Julian Merryweather showed potential as a closer last season. However, the Toronto Blue Jays need to find a proven option for the ninth inning, particularly one who has experience when it comes to the chase for the postseason.
Kenley Jansen is not the closer he had been. His command has been shaky over the past couple of years, and he walked a career high 4.7 batters per nine innings last season. However, he also allowed just 4.7 hits per nine innings, mitigating those command issues.
Jansen has also been able to turn back the clock when the games matter. He was dominant in the postseason last year, allowing just three hits and a walk while striking out 14 batters in seven shutout innings. His 19 career postseason saves are second in MLB history. He has plenty of experience when it comes to the playoffs and that chase for the postseason.
The Blue Jays need pitchers, particularly in the back of the bullpen, with that experience. The moment will not be too big for Jansen; the lights will not be too bright. He has proven that he can handle that pressure and his experience would be a major benefit to what is still a relatively young roster.
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The Toronto Blue Jays need a proven option for the ninth inning. Kenley Jansen, and his postseason experience, would be a perfect fit.