Blue Jays: There’s not much point in stopping now

The Blue Jays have made some significant additions to the roster over the winter, but why stop now when they could still use another starting pitcher, or even two?

The idea of getting two more rotation arms likely went out the window when the Jays traded for Steven Matz earlier this week, and I’m fine with them rolling the dice on a bounce-back campaign from the southpaw. That said, he doesn’t fill the Blue Jays’ need for a legitimate number two starter, which is arguably the only item left on Ross Atkins’ offseason checklist.

While the GM recently spoke about how the money has likely been spent for the most part, I think the Blue Jays would be foolish to stop now, especially when it comes to the rotation. Their lineup is deep and dangerous, but the rotation is perilously thin, and based on their other decisions they’ve made over the winter it makes no sense to leave it that way.

I say that because the Blue Jays made a significant investment by signing Marcus Semien to a one-year, 18 million dollar contract. You don’t make that kind of move unless you plan on competing in the immediate term, otherwise you can find cheaper options. You could make the same argument about inking George Springer, but he’ll be around for six years, so that deal is also about the future in addition to the present. They’re also spending 5.5 million to add Kirby Yates to the bullpen, and 5.2 million on Matz.

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According to spotrac.com, the Blue Jays currently have a little over 125 million committed to their payroll for 2021, with an estimated Competitive Balance payroll of a over 148 million. Yes, the Blue Jays have spent more than 160+ million in the past, but we also have to keep in mind that revenue was compromised in 2020, and will be again this season.

If the Atkins is working toward the top of his payroll limit for this year, it would make sense that the Blue Jays would try to trade one of, or even both of Tanner Roark and Randal Grichuk. The former will make 12 million in the second of a two-year deal he signed before the 2020 season, and he’ll either serve as the #5 starter, or possibly even as a long-man out of the bullpen. It’s doubtful the Blue Jays will find a taker for his entire salary, but even if someone is willing to pay half of it, it could be worth exploring the idea.

As for Grichuk, the Blue Jays could certainly find a role for him in 2021, even if he’s set to concede his spot in centre field to Springer. He’d work well as a platoon bat, or even most-days starter, but the Blue Jays could probably get by without the luxury. As things stand now, the starting outfield likely features Springer, Teoscar Hernandez, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Rowdy Tellez could be the primary DH. If the Blue Jays feel good about their depth otherwise, they could elect to trade Grichuk and try to re-allocate the 9.33 million per year he’ll make for each of the next three seasons.

One way or another, I don’t think it’s terribly wise for Atkins and the front office to roll into the season with what they have in the rotation. If that is indeed the plan, I hope they have their eyes on some mid-season reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline. Who knows, maybe they like that projected market more than what they’re looking at now. Either way, it would be a waste to leave the rotation a little short when the rest of the roster has so much potential.