Five Offseason Moves The Blue Jays Should Make

The Blue Jays are coming off a disappointing 2017 season. What moves should they make in the off season to improve the 2018 team?

The Blue Jays have a daunting task ahead of them if they want to return to the playoffs. Their shopping list is long, the roster is aging, and the free agent market is weak compared to other years. However, if the right moves are made, the Jays still have a roster that has the talent to make noise in the AL.

The infield, led by Josh Donaldson and Justin Smoak, is relatively set, albeit with some major question marks. The Blue Jays may need a utility infielder in case Troy Tulowitzki or Devon Travis gets injured, and although Russell Martin should again be counted on for many games behind the plate, the front office would be wise to sign a capable MLB backup.

The outfield brings more intriguing possibilities than the infield with the departure of Jose Bautista. Some combination of Kevin Pillar, Anthony Alford, Teoscar Hernandez, Steve Pearce, and Ezequiel Carrera should make up the outfield. The question is, do the Blue Jays feel comfortable with that group, or do they bring in another outfielder to bring some certainty?

Like the lineup, the pitching staff is far from set. Starting pitching will be a real need for the Blue Jays as Marco Estrada (disappointing 2017), Aaron Sanchez (blister problems), and Joe Biagini (inconsistencies) are all question marks. As for the bullpen, the Blue Jays lack a strong left-handed relief option to pair with the likes of Roberto Osuna, Ryan Tepera, and Dominic Leone.

Obviously, the Blue Jays have a lot of needs to fill, but only a limited amount of money to spend. Here are five offseason moves (and one offseason move that the Blue Jays SHOULDN’T make) that focus on efficient spending, improving the roster as a whole, and taking the future into consideration.