The odds are against Sanchez coming back

Could a reunion with Aaron Sanchez be on the horizon, in the bullpen or the starting rotation? — Javier, Toronto Sanchez was one of the 40 players non-tendered Monday and he’s now a free agent. I can think of approximately 29 other teams the former American League ERA champion would prefer to join before the Blue Jays. Sanchez enjoyed a lot of good moments in this city but, by the end of his time in Toronto, he seemed done with the coaching staff, trainers and front office. The feeling appeared to be mutual and a fresh start for both sides makes the most sense here. Sanchez isn’t expected to be ready for the start of 2020 after undergoing shoulder surgery. What are the chances Rogers sells the team? Declining macro trends for baseball and alternative capital requirements (i.e. 5G spectrum) could justify a sale. — Dave, Keswick, Ont. To be honest, this question is better suited for a business reporter who is more familiar with the inner workings of the mobile/cable empire. Getting someone from the ownership level at Rogers to talk about the Blue Jays is almost impossible. I know because I’ve tried, multiple times, and have yet to be granted access. Rogers lets Mark Shapiro do all the talking on its behalf and that leaves a lot of questions about ownership’s long-term commitment to the team, expectations for its employees, financial flexibility and much more. Now that there are spots on the 40-man roster, are the Jays eligible to take participate in the Rule 5 draft? If so, do you see them taking a player? — Chris, Toronto The Jays are eligible to make a pick next week but it’s still a bit too early to say whether they will. Take last year for example: At the start of the winter meetings, GM Ross Atkins ruled out making a pick in the Rule 5. That stance changed a day or two later when the club discovered a loophole that made then- 18-year-old Elvis Luciano available. The early bet here is that the Jays will attempt to find another reliever to roll the dice on. With the departures of senior vice president Ben Cherington and amateur scouting director Steve Sanders (both to the Pirates), how are the Jays going to replace these guys when Rogers is letting Shapiro (Ross Atkins, too) spend the year in lame-duck status. Who would want to come here and then have new management come in and clean house next off-season? — Mike, Burlington The fact that Shapiro has just one year remaining on his deal shouldn’t be much of a factor when it comes to recruiting someone for the front office. It would play a role in adding a general manager, or manager, but it shouldn’t have that big of an impact on the guys working behind the scenes. Front-office executives are always looking for promotions and new experiences to advance their careers. Assistant scouting directors from other teams, or guys looking to get into that side of the game, will express interest even if there’s no guarantee it won’t be anything more than a short-term venture. That said, Cherington and Sanders will not be easily replaced. Sanders deserves credit for high quality drafts that saw the additions of top prospects such as Nate Pearson and Jordan Groshans.

It’s a blow to the Jays, especially going into a year in which they are set to pick fifth. What do you see the Jays doing with the closer position? Do they convert a young prospect or look for a decent free agent? — Michael, P.E.I.

That really depends on what happens with Ken Giles and his situation likely won’t be resolved any time soon. Teams in the search of bullpen arms will explore free agency before parting with an asset via trade. If the Jays eventually deal Giles, it’s a good bet his replacement will come from outside the organization, but it won’t be a primary free agent. The more long-term outlook would be the development of someone from within — Jordan Romano, maybe Sean ReidFoley.

This is a spot the Jays shouldn’t worry about too much. Until this team is ready to contend, a bona fide closer is something they can do without. The rotation remains a far more pressing concern.