The one big splash the Toronto Blue Jays should be all in on

Let's be honest: despite a recent flurry, the last few offseasons have been harsh in multiple ways for Toronto. We are all more than aware of the players they didn't sign, and the frustration with decision making both on the field and off. However, it's time to think bigger, and there's one move that makes sense beyond all others. His name is Alex Slater. His batting average is not strong, he can't run that well, and he would absolutely change everything about the Blue Jays in a heartbeat.

Who is Alex Slater?

Alex Slater is the Vice President and Assistant General Manager for the LA Dodgers, and he is going into his 11th season with the team, his 14th in the league overall. Prior to being with the Dodgers, he was with the San Diego Padres. There, Slater was involved in evaluating professional players, as well as contributing to the organization's talent acquisition and roster development strategies.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about him is how closely he reportedly works with GM Brandon Gomes and Baseball Operations President Andrew Friedman. He's been a part of building this juggernaut of a team for a long time, and was credited as being a part of their top-ranked front office after the championship run this year. But it's not just the results that are impressive about him; it's the environment he's done them in.

"Dodgers Send Assistant GM Alex Slater to Blue Jays" Has A Ring To It

If the Blue Jays expect to return to the World Series anytime soon, a major upgrade to the organization is needed, one that a single player signing simply cannot provide. At some point in the future, Toronto will have an open GM role, but either way, adding Slater to the Front Office should be a top priority for Ed Rogers and his people. So why should they do it, and why would Slater want to come?

Slater Can Handle Money and Market

First of all, Slater has experience working in an organization that has money to spend, which is exactly where Toronto is at. His experience managing the scale of financial resources that Toronto has will pay dividends when it comes to spending time. He's like the guy at the poker table with the chip lead who actually knows how to use it, whereas the current leadership seems more like the guy who wins a big pot, then immediately goes all in on the next three hands.

When you have the second wealthiest owner in the game like Toronto, but are stuck witha mid-tier franchise valuation, it's a clear indicator that the management of the money can improve. Even Rogers must be upset that his franchise is floundering near the middle of the pack in value when he's got more money than everybody but the Mets' Stephen Cohen. Bringing in Slater will quickly lead to spending that is both smart off the field AND effective on it.

In terms of the Blue Jays' market (aka an entire nation), I can't imagine Slater feeling pressure like he gets in LA with an ownership group that includes Magic Johnson. Not only does his experience help with the pressure, but he will be able to handle the ownership easily, all while getting to build a team for a nation to get behind.

Slater Understands Farm System Stability Mixed With Star Acquisition

One of the most important assets that Slater brings to the table is experience in player assessment and scouting, which has contributed to theDodgers consistently sporting one of the top farm systems in baseball. Bringing him in to get Toronto out of the basement of the farm system rankings would be a huge step in the right direction.

But you don't have to go full Tampa Bay Rays in Toronto in order to be great. Having a top-10 farm system would be a massive accomplishment in Toronto at this point, given leadership's ability to spend some of that Rogers money on star players at the right time. Look at the acquisition of Mookie Betts the preceded the Ohtani signing. Hindsight shows us that the Dodgers still appear to be on the winning side of this trade, and it barely made a dent in their farm rankings.

If Slater came to Toronto and built up the farm system while also trading for a difference maker, he'd be an instant hero in the North. The time seems right for this as well, as the Blue Jays clearly are not going to be able to draw big name free agents like Juan Soto with money alone, and need a move that will help convince Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to stay.

Slater Has a Healthy Relationship With Analytics

I've written about the flawed relationship that the Blue Jays currently have with analytics, and how their approach needs refinement, clarity, and just general improvement. In contrast, the Dodgers are well known as having one of the healthiest approaches to analytics in the game,using it heavily in player development, player acquisition, and other off-field areas that the Blue Jays could use help in.

This is not to mention they balance the use of analytics on the field with the true "feel for the game" that they trust their manager and players to have.

Slater Will Be A GM Soon, So Why Not Us?

It appears that Alex Slater is one of the hottest GM candidates in baseball after winning a World Series and continuing to help the Dodgers acquire top level talent as they look to repeat. He's as a trusted member of a front office that tops baseball, which is saying a lot, since the league has some rock stars in it.

If Slater is a top candidate, and he will be able to handle the market, the money, the farm system, star acquisition, analytics, and more, I don't think there is more need to sell Toronto on him.

As for Slater himself, the opportunity to lead a team that represents a whole country, potentially as the new GM, is one that nobody would pass up on at face value. It's definitely a position he would need to consider, and a job that would give him a ton of potential for success, combined with his pedigree.