The Toronto Blue Jays were as close to securing a playoff spot last season that an eliminated team could get. They had the best teamwide OPS+ in Major League Baseball and won 91 games but came up just short in the standings. The Jays know they have a very good team that just needs a few more pieces. They have been busy trying to find them this offseason.
The area where the Blue Jays made big splashes is in the starting pitching rotation. Losing Cy Young finalist Robbie Ray stings but they added All-Stars Kevin Gausman and Yusei Kikuchi. With Jose Berrios, Alek Manoah and Hyun Jin Ryu, their pitching could be very strong next season.
But the Blue Jays still need to find some position players. MVP finalist Marcus Semien left in free agency and Randal Grichuk is too inconsistent to be a permanent fixture in the outfield. Although the hitting depth behind him is fantastic, they will be sorry if they can't find someone who can provide similar value. With several big bats still up for grabs, the Jays should scramble to find one.
3 free agents the Blue Jays must sign
The Blue Jays hitting was a major strength last season, so why not lean into it more? The Jays can alternate Freeman and Vladdy Guerrero Jr. between designated hitter and first base and move George Springer back to the outfield.
The 32-year-old Freeman hit 31 home runs last season while posting a slash line of .300/.393/.503 for the Atlanta Braves last season. Despite helping the team he has spent his whole career with take home the World Series, it doesn't seem like the team has made him a major priority in free agency. Their loss could be the Blue Jays' win.
Freeman has plenty to offer as a power hitter and could provide some relief for Guerrero defensively on occasion. The partnership between the All-Star first baseman could make the Blue Jays' offense unbeatable.
Although Bo Bichette had an All-Star year at shortstop, his defense was not very good. Shifting him over to a less defensively demanding position in favor of a Platinum Glove winner would make a lot of sense.
Correa shined for the Houston Astros last season, hitting 26 home runs with an OPS of .850 in 148 games. He won his first-ever Gold Glove (and Platinum Glove) behind his redesigned outlook on defense. His playoff experience makes him a very attractive free agent as well.
Giving Correa the chance to compete for more championships with an up-and-coming team while reuniting him with Springer is a very appealing situation. He might not be the very best hitter in Toronto's lineup but he would be their best defender, especially on the infield, while providing some power.
1. Trevor Story
The other great shortstop that Toronto could pursue is Story. After suffering through a brutal stint with the Colorado Rockies, the 29-year-old should get the chance to contend for the playoffs again. He would have the chance to do that in Toronto.
Last season, Story hit 24 home runs and stole 20 bases while posing a slash line of .251/.329/.471 in 142 games. Although each of his previous three seasons has been more productive, he can still be one of their best batters. His defense is also very good, which could allow Bichette to slide over to second base.
Follow Us
Subscribe