Blue Jays: Ranking the offseason checklist priorities

2- Third Base (or, another infield spot?)

As I’ve already mentioned, the Blue Jays have explored a variety of ways to get better already this offseason. They’re not limited themselves to strictly looking at options to fill the holes on the roster, and it makes sense. They’ve always prioritized flexibility, and they have that with players like Cavan Biggio.

However, right now the obvious hole is at third base. Biggio could shift to the hot corner if necessary, but that feels less than ideal on a full-time basis, even if he looked fine there last year. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reportedly has designs on moving back to his old position, but just yesterday I wrote about why I think that’s not going to happen, regardless of what kind of shape he gets himself into.

The Blue Jays could elect to bring back Travis Shaw on another one-year deal, and if they go that route it’s likely that they believe one or both of Austin Martin or Jordan Groshans could be ready by 2022. I don’t think they’ll settle for Shaw next season though, so I’d look for a change at the position one way or another.

The thing they’ll likely prioritize as much as anything will be defence, as they’ll need better production from the infield group as a whole with their gloves. If that means that Biggio or even Bichette has to move for a season or longer, that seems to be on the table. I’m not so sure I’m fond of the idea of moving Bichette, but that all depends on the player coming in.

Because of the flexibility of the roster the open mind of the front office, it’s pretty hard to predict how they’ll fill their vacate infield position. That said, I’m guessing it’s one of the top priorities.