Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro short on specifics, long on bullishness

Short on specifics and long on bullishness, Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro set an optimistic tone during his first general media availability since the team was eliminated from the postseason a few weeks ago.

While little clarity was offered on his contract situation and plans for 2021, Shapiro said his time in Toronto has been life-changing and he’s excited about the progress that has been made.

“I want to be here, both from a personal perspective and maybe most importantly, I want to finish the job,” said Shapiro, whose contract expires this year. “I want to be part of bringing a world championship back to Toronto and Canada.”

When big-league baseball actually returns to the city remains uncertain. Border restrictions forced the Blue Jays to play most of their home games in Buffalo during the truncated 60-game season.

Despite the lack of gate revenue in 2020, Shapiro said there has been “consistent support” from ownership and “consistent encouragement” to progress with team plans, including the pursuit of free agents.

“If we think that the right deals are there and we make those recommendations, the resources are going to be there for us to add in a meaningful way,” he said. “We will conduct this off-season much like last off-season.”

The Blue Jays’ biggest move last winter was the free-agent signing of Hyun-Jin Ryu to a US$80-million, fouryear deal. He was a reliable ace in the starting rotation as Toronto rose out of a three-year rebuilding rut to a 32-28 mark, good for the eighth and final seed in the American League playoffs.

Shapiro said that before 2021 payroll plans are determined, meetings will be held with baseball operations staff, scouts, analysts and coaches.