Shohei Ohtani’s absence forces the Blue Jays to turn their attention to other free agents.
TORONTO — After losing out on two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who last week agreed to a US$700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Toronto Blue Jays were forced to make a change of direction.
TORONTO — After losing out on two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who last week agreed to a US$700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Toronto Blue Jays were forced to make a change of direction.
If the Canadian big-league team wants to return to the postseason in 2024, it needs to address a few key holes. Here are five players that the Blue Jays should consider pursuing now that the major free-agent domino has finally fallen.
The Blue Jays might choose to fill the void at third base with someone they already know. Although Matt Chapman has won awards for his defense, there are moments when his bat feels uninspired.
Given the relatively weak free-agent class outside of Ohtani, Chapman—who is represented by well-known agent Scott Boras—will probably profit this off-season.
Chapman’s offensive output decreased from the previous season (17 home runs, 54 RBIs), but his defense held up admirably.
If the Blue Jays were to part with their cash to acquire him again, they would want to witness him repeat his 27 home runs in 2021 and 2022.
CODY BELLINGER
For the core of their batting lineup, the Blue Jays need a large left-handed power bat.
Cody Bellinger, who is 28 years old, is in his prime and is coming off a successful season with the Chicago Cubs. Signing him would be expensive. Last season, he scored 97 runs, hit 26 home runs, and had a.307 batting average.
Those numbers were more consistent with his three seasons in the L.A. Dodgers’ organization than with the two seasons following the cut short 2020 season.
Bellinger, who can play first base in addition to center field, was named the 2019 National League MVP.
One of the deepest starting lineups in the major leagues is Toronto’s. Toronto would have better trade options and the Blue Jays would have another starter with ace potential if they added Yoshinobu Yamamoto of Japan.
Given that Yamamoto is expected to demand a long-term deal worth over US$150 million and has attracted interest from multiple big-spending teams, it would be an expensive proposition.
The Blue Jays have a ton of possible trade capital on the mound, with top prospect Ricky Tiedemann waiting in the wings and 2022 AL Cy Young finalist Alek Manoah looking to rebound after a disappointing season.
Toronto would make a bold statement if they signed the 25-year-old Yamamoto, demonstrating their commitment to a deep postseason run in 2024. Additionally, it would probably result in some trades to strengthen the roster as a whole.
Rhys Hoskins is a risky choice for designated hitter if he can regain his form following knee surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament last year.
Hoskins could back up at first base or in the outfield and has been a consistent 30-home run hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Hoskins might be open to a one-year contract to prove that his power game is still relevant. That might be attractive to the Blue Jays, who could use a proven playoff performer at third base.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s return to Toronto would provide the Jays with a left-fielder with some pop, making a switch easier. With Kevin Kiermaier likely to move to center field, Daulton Varsho would likely take over at center field.
For the first time in 2023, Gurriel—who was traded to Arizona for Varsho—was an all-star. The previous season, he hit 24 home runs with 82 RBIs, and his defense got better.
Gurriel, who is thirty, won’t break the bank and will take care of a few team needs. Teoscar Hernandez, a different former teammate, is also a free agent and might be considered for a possible return
Hernandez would provide the Blue Jays with a dependable power bat at the plate even though his defense is not well-known.
The Canadian Press published this report for the first time on December 11, 2023.
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The Canadian Press’s Gregory Strong
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