Blue Jays reportedly mulling over first base options

According to multiple industry sources, the Toronto Blue Jays are mulling over a number of first base options including former players Edwin Encarnacion and Justin Smoak.

The first day of the Winter Meetings is officially in the books as the Washington Nationals stole the show resigning their World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg. The Blue Jays yet again neglected to add to the roster, however, there were some rumblings in regards to possible first base options for 2020.

Jon Morosi of the Fox Network reported that the Blue Jays have inquired about free agent Travis Shaw. The corner infielder was recently non-tendered by the Milwaukee Brewers after hitting just .157 in 86 games last season. The 29-year has back to back 30+ homer seasons on his resume and could be an option to share time with Rowdy Tellez at first base. Shaw could also spell off Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at third base when the slugger requires a day off.

Aside from Shaw, there were also some familiar names that resurfaced on the first day of the meetings.

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Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, reported that the front office is also considering a possible reunion with one of either Justin Smoak or Edwin Encarnacion. Smoak is coming off his walk year where he hit .208 with 22 round-trippers.

Encarnacion spent last season between the Mariners and Yankees hitting .244 with 34 homers while knocking in 86 over 109 games. Encarnacion could take over the designated hitter spot while Tellez mans first base on a full-time basis.

Nicholson-Smith also indicated that the Jays are intrigued by Yoshtiomo Tsutsugo who is attempting to come to North America after spending a decade in the Japan Central League. In 2019, Tsutsugo hit .272 with 29 home runs in 131 games, over his past four seasons, the 28-year old has smashed 139 homers.

We will wait and see if anything can come to fruition on Day Two of the meetings for Ross Atkins and company.