It may be another year before centre gets Jays’ attention
Do you think the Blue Jays are done making meaningful additions besides a few low risk bullpen arms, maybe a bench player for the infield? Will they acquire a real centre-fielder, like Joc Pederson or Jackie Bradley Jr.?
— Ryan Dodman
At this point, I would say the Jays are mostly done. Outside of the bullpen, where some obvious needs remain, the likely moves appear to be infield depth and a third-string catcher. If there’s a major transaction to be made, it will have to come through trade and the club doesn’t seem inclined to add a player with two years of control or fewer remaining, unless it comes at a very affordable cost. The front office is quick to point out it has the flexibility get creative, so this could change before opening day, but it seems likely centre field will be pushed off for another year while the club continues to evaluate its internal candidates.
What are the chances of the Jays targeting George Springer in free agency and the odds of him signing with Toronto? Cheating scandal aside, Springer’s experience, grit and skill would complement perfectly to a young roster ready to take the next step.
— Curtis
So much depends on what happens with the Jays’ young starters in 2020. If Hyun-Jin Ryu pitches well, Nate Pearson emerges as a front line starter and the likes of Ryan Borucki, Trent Thornton and Anthony Kay take a step forward, it’s possible the rotation will not be as big of a priority. If Ryu gets hurt and the youngsters struggle, Toronto might have no other choice but to focus its resources on pitching again next year. To more directly answer your question, the Jays are expected to be interested in Springer, he would be an ideal fit in the lineup and his potential involvement in the Astros’ cheating scandal will not impact free agency a year from now. That said, there are too many other variables at play to handicap this one way or the other.
Could the Blue Jays let Jordan Groshans get some time in centre and bring him up in 2021-22 as Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero are blocking where he looks to slot in?
— Les Sluggett, Prince George, B.C. They certainly could, I just don’t know why they would. A lot can change between now and the timing of Groshans’ arrival, but if he develops as expected there’s good reason to believe he is the third baseman of the future. Guerrero held that title before and he has another year to prove he has what it takes, it’s just not something I would be bet on. The advanced defensive metrics from 2019 were as unkind to Guerrero’s defence as the eye tests.
What role do you think the uprising and toxicity on social media had on the organization spending significantly just before Christmas? Is it possible that fans and the eventual pressure from traditional media (better late than never) pushed them out of their organizational philosophies?
— @whyimsmrtthnyou
It’s an interesting question and one we’ll never really know the answer to. The Jays’ front office has admitted to adjusting to the free-agent market. The dollars and term were more significant than first anticipated and the organization was willing to move beyond its initial comfort zone. One has to think the external pressure and criticism played some role. Atkins said at the start of the off-season the Jays would “add significantly” to the rotation and as each name went off the board the negativity surrounding this franchise increased. Toronto needed to buy itself some goodwill and the Jays should be commended — but not overly praised, because a lot of work remains — for finally making it happen.
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