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Blue Jays: We want an impact upgrade, just not that guy

By Chris Henderson

TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 4: President Mark Shapiro looks on as Ross Atkins speaks to the media as Atkins is introduced as the new general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays during a press conference on December 4, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 4: President Mark Shapiro looks on as Ross Atkins speaks to the media as Atkins is introduced as the new general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays during a press conference on December 4, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 12: Andrelton Simmons #2 of the Los Angeles Angels takes grounders during summer camp workouts at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 12, 2020 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

The right kind of infield upgrade

It’s no secret that the Blue Jays have been seeking to upgrade their infield corps, and that could come in a variety of ways. And frankly, some are better than others.

For example, I can understand why the Blue Jays would consider moving Bo Bichette to another position for the likes of Francisco Lindor if they were able to acquire him in a trade with Cleveland. Lindor is arguably a top-10 player in baseball, and his defence is one of his best skills. However, if it’s not Lindor or someone like Trevor Story from the Rockies, I say forget the idea altogether.

Which is why I have never been a fan of the idea of signing Andrelton Simmons, who is currently available on the free agent market. Yes, he’s one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball, and the Blue Jays need to improve their infield defence, but that’s not enough for me here. Bichette has a chance to be a MVP-calibre player in his own right, and you want to keep those guys happy, and give them every chance to succeed.

As former Blue Jay Josh Thole said on Sportsnet the Fan 590 this week, shortstop is part of Bichette’s identify, and asking him to switch positions is no small thing. Again, it’s one thing if it’s for a superstar like Lindor, but I think it’s another for anyone else.

For that reason, I hope the Blue Jays forget about Simmons, and Marcus Semian too.

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