Toronto Blue Jays: Plenty of questions as free agency looms

The Toronto Blue Jays brain trust will have plenty of internal questions to ask themselves heading into free agency this offseason.

As the conclusion of the World Series looms in the balance so does the start to the free agency sweepstakes across the majors. The Blue Jays have a number of players who could find themselves employed by a new team when spring training commences.

President Mark Shapiro met with the media over a Zoom call yesterday touching on a number of topics. Shapiro reiterated that the team will make “defence” and “strike-throwing” clear priorities this offseason as they attempt to better the club.

The team is still without a natural centre fielder although Randal Grichuk did an admirable job out there this season. Starting pitching decisions need to be made on Chase Anderson and his $9.5 million team option and where exactly veteran Tanner Roark fits into the plan moving forward.

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The trade route may better serve the Blue Jays as the free-agent market is thin at best. Arguably, the three best arms available are Trevor Bauer, Marcus Stroman, and Taijuan Walker and we all know Stroman is not an option.

Along with Walker, there is potential that Robbie Ray, Matt Shoemaker, Anthony Bass, Ken Giles, Jonathan Villar, and Joe Panik all do not return.

It would appear there is mutual interest in a reunion with Walker, however, he may be an overpriced commodity before it is all said and done due to the lack of quality arms available on the open market.

There are also pipe dreams available in free-agent outfielder George Springer and trade candidate Francisco Lindor who seems to be in play this offseason. Springer would take a large financial commitment while Lindor will cost a hefty ransom in prospects and young controllable players. Either player would instantly make the Blue Jays a better team.

There are a ton of moving parts this offseason especially following the postseason appearance, the brain trust must keep their foot on the throttle and forge ahead in their quest to build a World Series Champion.