(Toronto) Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins did not reveal his off-season plans, only offering generalities on Tuesday, as the next few weeks should be interesting in the player market independent major league baseball players.
Atkins, who held a 25-minute media availability with Toronto media, said he still sees “a lot of opportunity” for the team.
“We believe there are many ways to make our team better,” he said. It appears there are options in the market and at all levels that are still possible for the organization. We don’t have unlimited resources, obviously, but we have the potential to improve the team with free agents or trades.
“As for timing, it’s hard to say. We could do something tomorrow, [mais] it might also take longer. It could take days or weeks for a transaction to occur. »
It’s been a relatively quiet off-season so far for the Blue Jays, who made changes to their coaching staff while releasing Canadian tight end specialist Jordan Romano.
PHOTO CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV, CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Jordan Romano
Atkins has a long shopping list to try to help the team climb out of last place in the always-competitive American League East.
The Blue Jays’ backup is remarkably weak, the offense desperately needs a boost and another quality starting pitcher would provide some depth to the rotation. Furthermore, two stars developed by the organization, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, only have one season remaining on their contracts.
After making the first round three times in four years, the Blue Jays were sellers at the trade deadline last summer and went 74-88.
With the team’s competitive window in danger of closing, the pressure is squarely on Atkins to turn things around. But first, we must wait to know the fate of Juan Soto, the best player on the free agent market.
PHOTO BRAD PENNER, ARCHIVES USA TODAY SPORTS
Juan Soto
Soto, who helped lead the New York Yankees to the World Series, is expected to sign a lucrative long-term contract. According to reports, the 26-year-old is considering offers from five teams: the Blue Jays, Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox.
“I will not comment specifically on our approach or lack of approach,” said Atkins. Interest is obviously present from all 30 teams. »
Once Soto decides, teams should look to the other big names on the market. These include pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, outfielders Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernandez, and infielders Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman.
Romano underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow last season. He was limited to 15 games and had a 6.59 ERA. The decision to release him saves the Blue Jays $7.75 million, but he could be back.
“It was a very difficult decision,” Atkins admitted. On a personal level, what he means to this city, this country, this team, what he accomplished… So it was very difficult for us.
“We remain interested and we will try to bring him back. »
