Blue Jays move on without Ohtani
The problem with coming close to signing Shohei Ohtani is there isn’t an acceptable backup plan to having a twoway superstar.
The Blue Jays are living with that reality after making a serious bid for Ohtani only to lose him to the Dodgers. Toronto was willing to make the same financial commitment and hosted Ohtani for a visit at the team’s spring training facility. But Ohtani ultimately decided to stay on the West Coast.
“We were obviously very disappointed with the outcome and it was a very difficult phone call to receive, one of the more difficult ones in my career,” general manager Ross Atkins said.
“At the same time, incredible process and group effort and collaboration that I feel so good about. Not only that process but what it meant to be in that position for the organization, for the city, for the country.
“There’s no doubt in my mind he was exceptionally attracted to this country, this city, this team.”
The Jays have since retained outfielder Kevin Kiermaier on a one-year contract and signed utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa for two years. They’re still in the market for another bat, either an outfielder or a designated hitter or both.
Toronto could be a good fit for J.D. Martinez or Justin Turner. In addition to some offensive punch, they would provide leadership.
Extra bases
You can’t overestimate the value of starting pitching. Whatever you think somebody is worth, keep adding.
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