Blue Jays: The five free agents least likely to sign in Toronto

Shortstop is already occupied

Despite the fact that the Blue Jays have a franchise calibre shortstop on their roster, it seems like we’re always talking about potential upgrades to the infield. Whether it was rumours about Didi Gregorius last winter, or drooling about the idea or pursuing Francisco Lindor this winter, it comes up a lot.

And I just don’t see it happening, at least not yet.

Lindor would be a game-changer, and it’s possible that Bo Bichette would give up his position with no issue if it meant improving the team that much, but that’s a long shot at best. However, when you look at the free agent market this winter, there are several middle infielders that are bound to be linked to the Blue Jays. That could include Marcus Semien, Andrelton Simmons, or even more talk of signing Didi. I feel like those rumours are inevitable, but I wouldn’t pay much attention to them.

Right now the Blue Jays are in an enviable position with their infield ranks. Vlad Jr. and Rowdy have first base taken care of, Bichette is a budding star at short, and Cavan Biggio is more than capable at either second or third base. When you consider that they have top 100 prospects like Austin Martin and Jordan Groshans who aren’t all that far from reaching the highest level, I don’t think the infield is an area we’ll see an impact move being made this winter.

More likely, I suspect the Jays will look for a veteran they can plug at third base on a 1-2 year deal while their prospects get the experience they need, and that could even come by retaining Travis Shaw. I do think the Blue Jays acknowledge that their defence has to improve, but I don’t think they’re ready to do something drastic like move Bichette off of shortstop unless it means they’re getting a Lindor-calibre player.

Not that I should throw cold water on an idea that hasn’t even started yet, but I’ll be rolling my eyes when the Simmons to Toronto rumours start in a month or two.