Toronto Blue Jays: An offseason checklist for Ross Atkins

The Blue Jays have a lot be excited about from their 2022 season, but there’s plenty of work for Ross Atkins and the front office to do in order to take the next step.

Even though the playoffs are still ongoing, that doesn’t mean that the front office should be taking a break right now, and it doesn’t look like they are. When I originally started drafting this article, step one of my offseason checklist for Atkins included re-signing John Schneider and retaining his services as the big league skipper. On Friday it was announced that Schneider has signed a three-year deal, meaning the first order of business is already taken care of. Whether that means the entire coaching staff will remain the same is a question that has yet to be answered, but we know Schneider will be at the helm next spring.

Unfortunately that’s not the only bit of work that Atkins and co. have to do over the winter, but at least they got it out of the way nice and early. Now comes the fun, and the far more difficult part of trying to make the necessary roster tweaks to take this talented Blue Jays team from 92 wins and a first round exit, into a legitimate World Series contender. They showed progress and earned their way to the postseason with the top Wild Card spot, but I think it’s safe to say that the team and the fan base are left wanting more.

So what does Ross Atkins’ offseason checklist look like? It’s not all that different from what’s been on it for the last few years, but let’s take an updated look at the situation and get an idea of what they might be trying to accomplish with the roster this offseason.