Blue Jays: Four burning questions in play
The slog that was the Blue Jays’ season came to an end on Sunday with a 2-1 win at Yankee Stadium, pulling them out of last place in the American League East for the first time all year. Passing the Baltimore Orioles was a consolation prize at best, wryly celebrated by a fan base that had hoped for more than one day of October baseball. Now the spotlight turns to the front office, which is on record with expectations of contending in 2018. General manager Ross Atkins will field questions on Tuesday. Here are some of the important ones he’s facing:
JOSH DONALDSON
What will the Jays do with their star third baseman? It could determine their path for the next few years. Both sides have said the right things of late, with Donaldson showing interest in staying. But the club must weigh the cost of the long-team deal the 2015 AL MVP will be looking for, heading into his final year of salary arbitration eligibility. He helped his case with a monster second half, slashing .302/.410/.698 with 23 homers and 48 RBIs over the final two months. But at 31 years old with a recent history of injuries, there are no guarantees. With free agency knocking after the 2018 campaign, Donaldson could be happy to test the market if Toronto’s offer isn’t up to his standards.
AARON SANCHEZ
Can his blister problem be solved? So far, the answer has been a resounding no. The 25-year-old right-hander, a potential ace, has had problems with the middle finger on his right hand for more than two years now and pitched just 36 innings this season. If he can’t start next year, the Jays will have two holes to fill — Francisco Liriano, dealt at the deadline, was never really replaced. Did free-agent left-hander Brett Anderson, who had a 5.13 ERA over seven starts with the Blue Jays, do enough to earn a return? Did Joe Biagini?
DEVON TRAVIS
Can he stay healthy for a full season? Like Sanchez, recent history suggests no. The 26-year-old second baseman’s talent is obvious, including an incredible May at the plate, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury in early June and has played just 202 games in three years as a Jay. The club would be wise to add depth at the position. Darwin Barney, who played 64 games while platooning with Ryan Goins at second this year, will be a free agent.
JOSE BAUTISTA
Where will he land? Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reported that the 36-year-old right fielder was informed a couple of weeks ago that the team won’t exercise its end of a $17-million U.S. option for the 2018 season. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Blue Jays bring him back — even at a reduced rate — after he slashed .203/.308/.366 with 170 strikeouts. Will it be 24-year-old Teoscar Hernandez who replaces him in right? Toronto’s corner outfielders should be a hot topic again next season, with Steve Pearce and Ezequiel Carrera the only other holdovers from the opening-day roster.