Toronto Blue Jays: Positions to Improve Post Lockout

For what seemed like an eternity, the MLB imposed a lockout of the players. This effectively cut off communication between organizations and their players. For the Blue Jays, this included a halt to any additions the club could make at the Major League level. No trades, claims, or signings could be made over the past 99 days.

With the lockout now over, Major League front offices can now reach out to players. This includes members of their own team and prospective players they wish to bring aboard. The next few weeks will bring an absolute fury of moves, as two months’ worth of transactions will have to be made over about a three-week period. While the Blue Jays currently possess one of the more talented rosters in the game, they aren’t a finished project. Toronto is expected to be heavily active in roster moves going forward. These additions start with the pitching staff.

A Starting Pitcher

The Blue Jays have four bonafide starting pitchers at this point in time. Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, Hyun Jin Ryu, and Alek Manoah comprise the rotation. It’s widely assumed that Ross Stripling is the front runner for that last spot, but there are a plethora of experienced arms left on the market. The more affordable, or more believable, options include names like Yusei Kikuchi, Michael Pineda, Tyler Anderson, and Garrett Richards. All of these arms have the skill and experience to be a valuable addition to the rotation, and all appear to be affordable options.

If you care to indulge in the more expensive options, a pair of All-Star calibre left-handers remain on the market as well. Clayton Kershaw and Carlos Rodon are both capable of being impact pitchers on the staff and would make fantastic additions to the team. While these players are sure to have plenty of suitors and will likely command dollar heavy contracts, there’s no denying they’d be good fits with the Jays.

One More Infielder

I don’t love this title, but, there needs to be a Marcus Semien replacement. It’s going to be difficult if at all possible to replicate his production and leadership. Nevertheless, the Blue Jays need to try if they’re going to be able to top other teams in the AL East. I love Santiago Espinal and Cavan Biggio as much as the next person, but I believe they work better in tandem as opposed to them playing separate positions. A platoon of both players at a single spot on the infield makes for a capable and impactful pair, with a combination of defense, contact, power, and plate discipline.

If this platoon is to happen, then an addition to the infield must be made. There exist a couple of best-case scenario options, as well as some more conservative considerations. If we’re talking about the believable players, it’s not far-fetched to think a trade package for Matt Chapman is in the cards. Another feasible option could be former MVP Kris Bryant, as he’d fit into that two spot in the lineup perfectly.

If you dare to dream, there exist two players who both fit this lineup and appease the fanbase perfectly: Jose Ramirez and Freddie Freeman. Both of these MVP calibre players would be quite the addition, and no doubt make the Blue Jays the AL East favourite. It’s easy to see either of them batting second in this lineup. Jose Ramirez would slot into third base perfectly but would have to be acquired via trade. Freeman, however, is a free agent. The catch, though, is his primary position of first base. Freeman has played first base almost exclusively throughout his career, with a handful of games at third. The thought process would be having Vladimir Guerrero Jr. either DHing more games or move to third base. The acquisition of both players has significant strings attached, but would no doubt be a game-changer for the franchise.