GM Ross Atkins says it's expensive, but the Blue Jays must spend more this offseason

The Toronto Blue Jays have been a little quiet in comparison to their early off-season maneuverings. Sure, they are still "in" on a boatload of free agent and trade possibilities, but the activity has slowed down. That doesn't mean the Blue Jays are sitting on their hands.

GM Ross Atkins deserves the benefit of the doubt because of the recent regular season success and the Blue Jays' aggressive offseason thus far. While he has been savvy about this market all along, after some recent comments, one has to wonder if the baseball executive is now taking a different approach or is he just speaking the truth about a wild free agent market?

GM Ross Atkins says it's expensive, but the Blue Jays must spend more this offseason

"We have a good team... we'll be open but it's expensive these days," Atkins said on MLB Network during the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.

RosterResource pegs the Blue Jays payroll at $268 million, sitting approximately $10 million above their estimated 2025 level. At this point, why not push all the marbles to the center of the table after the Blue Jays went from last place to almost winning the World Series? The Blue Jays were usually finishing second place with free agents, but now have a solid chance to land the ones they need.

Atkins is correct that the Blue Jays have a good club as currently constructed, so why not raise the ceiling as high as possible? It's not like this team is destined to lose 90 games even if they miss out on targets like Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker. Put that Rogers Communications money to good use and capitalize on the unique opportunity the organization currently finds itself in.

It is crazy how much money free agents are making nowadays. The Blue Jays' own Dylan Cease arguably beat his projections even if there are plenty of deferrals. Kyle Schwarber re-upped with the Phillies on a monster five-year, $150 million deal. If the objective of baseball is to score more runs than the opposition, then Schwarber certainly helps in that regard. He also provides an intangible leadership quality that is hard to quantify with a dollar figure.

Pete Fairbanks is a logical alternative for Toronto who has pitched well the past few seasons. The relief market is moving fast and the Blue Jays have the flexibility to slot Fairbanks anywhere since Hoffman is not locked into the closer job next season. He has plenty of familiarity with facing the Blue Jays and has a proven track record in the later innings.

On the offensive side, the Blue Jays have plenty of options to consider, although they could start drying up fast. They can continue trade discussions on clubs that are rebuilding or clubs that are simply dangling around exciting talent.

The exciting part is that Atkins and company seem to have a clear road map. They demonstrated with Cease that he was their guy and they were going to prioritize signing him before anyone else. That same level of aggression could guide the rest of their pursuits, whether or not they are ultimately successful.