Toronto Blue Jays casting wide net in search of offseason upgrades

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to cast a wide net in their offseason quest to improve the roster for the 2021 season.

It seems that the Blue Jays are linked to a new player each day and yesterday was no different. According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the team has checked in on free-agent closer Brad Hand. This should come as no surprise seeing Toronto has been linked to a plethora of high profile talent this offseason.

It has been an interesting offseason thus far which is surprising considering the only player the brain trust has signed is pitcher Robbie Ray. However, they have been linked to having varying degrees of interest in the likes of DJ LeMahieu, George Springer, J.T. Realmuto, Francisco Lindor, and of late Justin Turner and Michael Brantley.

At this stage of the game, it is anyone’s guess how this all plays out but General Manager Ross Atkins has gone on record suggesting the team is prepared to add one, two, or even three really good players.

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In terms of pitching, it is being reported the team offered Kevin Gausman a multi-year pact before he accepted the qualifying offer to return back to the San Francisco Giants for the 2021 campaign. Pitchers Jake Odorizzi and J.A. Happ have also surfaced as potential targets for the Jays this offseason as they attempt to shore up the rotation.

Hand is an interesting name that popped up yesterday, the 30-year old southpaw has been one of the most consistent closers over the past five years and could form a solid trio at the backend of the rotation with Rafael Dolis and Jordan Romano, especially seeing that Ken Giles is no longer in the fold.

The signings may come fast and furious when they finally start to sign on the dotted line, so stay tuned Blue Jays fans, it just might be an offseason for the ages.