Blue Jays: Free agency looms as World Series nears completion

The Toronto Blue Jays front office will soon be able to put their offseason plans into action as free agency looms upon the completion of the World Series.

Assuming the World Series goes the full seven which it currently appears may be a realistic scenario, the final game is slated for Wednesday, November 01st. Free agency would then in turn officially kick off on Thursday, November 02nd at 9 a.m Eastern.

General Manager Ross Atkins has publicly stated his plans are to add an impact pitcher as well as an impact position player this offseason. The last offseason Atkins was unsuccessful at fulfilling his goals of making the team younger and more athletic so one would have to think the GM will act early in the offseason this time around to complete his tasks.

The Jays have already bid adieu to Jose Bautista after the team declined his mutual option, pending free agent Francisco Liriano was shipped out at the trade deadline and Marco Estrada was re-upped for another season. Pitcher Brett Anderson will become a free agent on November 02nd but it appears there is mutual interest to bring him back.

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Jake Arrieta and Yu Darvish are arguably the most prolific free agent pitchers this offseason however it would be a shock to see the Blue Jays involved in those sweepstakes. Instead, the Jays will realistically look toward the tier two group of hurlers like Alex Cobb, Lance Lynn, Trevor Cahill, Jaime Garcia to name a few.

Positionally the Blue Jays need a middle infielder and an outfielder so possibilities on the infield could range from Eduardo Nunez to Zack Cozart or they could explore bringing back free agent Darwin Barney.

The top free agent outfielders are Lorenzo Cain, J.D. Martinez, Jay Bruce, and Carlos Gonzalez, however, all the players of their ilk will not only yield a hefty price tag but a lengthy term the Jays may not be comfortable with committing to.

Jarrod Dyson or Cameron Maybin are possible fits that could inject some speed into the Blue Jays lineup.

The Jays may also look build via the trade route as we continue to speculate teams that could be possible matches at Jays Journal. The likes of the Padres, Indians, and Tigers could all be possible dance partners with the Jays this season and appear to make sense on paper.

Next: Blue Jays news and notes from around the league

Nobody knows how it will all play out but one thing we do know is the time is close, start your engines folks, here comes the “Hot Stove”.