Toronto Blue Jays: An order of operations this offseason?

So far it appears that the Blue Jays are more focused on giving their lineup a boost this offseason, and there could be a method to the strategy.

There has been no shortage of rumours linking the Blue Jays to free agents this offseason, and Saturday brought another update to keep us going.

According to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi, it sounds like their interest in George Springer has gone beyond just kicking the tires. On Saturday Davidi described things as having “progressed beyond just talking”, which could mean that an offer of some kind has been made, or is at least very close. That doesn’t mean the two sides are anywhere near a deal, but it’s interesting to hear that the Blue Jays appear to be serious suitors.

Davidi also mentioned another interesting point, speculating on what could be the front office’s gameplan for the offseason. He rightly pointed out that many of the rumours have linked the Blue Jays to position players, and that it could even be a top priority for Ross Atkins and his staff at the moment. Pitching is pretty much always at the top of the list of needs, and that’s the case for the Jays again this winter, but there’s still a decent explanation available here.

More from Jays Journal

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

So far we know that the Blue Jays have at least checked in on starting pitchers like Kevin Gausman, Jake Odorizzi, and they brought Robbie Ray back on a one-year deal. However, there’s a good chance that they’re looking at this year’s free agent starting crop and not liking what they’re seeing. Trevor Bauer is an elite arm, but he comes with other considerations, and may not be an option anyway depending on the right-hander’s plans. Charlie Morton signed in Atlanta, and chances are Masahiro Tanaka will return to New York. They could still look to bring back one or both of Taijuan Walker and Matt Shoemaker, or possibly sign a Canadian like James Paxton, but the impact options are pretty thin.

With that in mind, it makes sense that they might want to sort out their lineup situation, especially if they have a chance to make an upgrade like signing Springer. Using that case as an example, the Blue Jays would then presumably have another trade piece to shop around, as they’d have four outfielders for three spots. In theory they could then try to package Randal Grichuk or Lourdes Gurriel Jr. with some minor league talent to try and trade for an elite starting pitcher. That trade market is hard to predict and could even still be developing, but it might be a better option to find a high-end starter this winter.

Of course, these things tend to have a domino effect most of the time anyway, so Davidi’s speculation makes a lot of sense. We’ll see if that’s how things ultimately play out, but if they can get Springer to join the Blue Jays then we may very well have a clue to the next step of the offseason checklist.