Blue Jays: Five paths to getting a top of the rotation starting pitcher

The Blue Jays have added to their starting pitcher’s group already, but they’re still missing a top-of-the-rotation arm. There are a few ways to make it happen.

For as much as we’ve heard about the need for the Blue Jays to add starting pitching this off-season, the front office has addressed the issue fairly directly. First they traded for Chase Anderson from the Brewers, then they tendered a contract to Matt Shoemaker, and earlier this week they signed Tanner Roark to a two-year, 24 million dollar pact.

Despite all of that work overhauling the rotation, the job won’t feel like it’s done until there’s one more arm that can lead the revamped group, as that’s what the Blue Jays really need.

Ideally, Ross Atkins and the rest of the front office will be able to add a piece to the puzzle for the long-term, as well as someone who can make an immediate impact. Pitchers like that don’t grow on trees, but with the Blue Jays having the enviable situation of a flexible payroll, an emerging young core already in the big leagues, and more MiLB talent throughout the organization, there are a few ways they could add that coveted starting pitcher.

Atkins and Mark Shapiro have spoken throughout the winter about having a lot of flexibility to try and build this roster, and it’ll be interesting to see how they go about taking care of the rest of their off-season shopping list. They likely still need to add someone to the first base/DH picture, possibly a centre fielder, and at least a few arms to the bullpen picture as well.

For now though, let’s focus on the starting rotation and a few different paths they could take to strengthen the group.