All the groans have gone silent. No longer are the Blue Jays "finalists" for key pieces. Tyler Chatwood, Kirby Yates, and as I write this, George Springer have cast their lots with the blue and white. Management smells blood in the water and suddenly a team that seemed 1-2 years away from being a serious contender is ready to take that next step. This is still not a finished product though and more moves are coming. Let us now discuss what those may be.
Starting pitching remains the key void. With the new outfield surplus it looks like the trade route is the most likely. Although Trevor Bauer remains in play and Toronto suddenly looks like a more viable contender today. That may draw him over to the Blue Jays. Trades seem most likely with the Cubs or Reds at this point. The former would likely entail a package of an outfielder or two (likely Gurriel or Grichuk) plus prospects for Kyle Hendricks and potentially Kris Bryant. The latter could target either Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray or both for a similar package and the Reds may use the opportunity to unload the contract of a Mike Moustakas or a Joey Votto. Another possibility is a deal with Colorado involving Germán Marquez. Other trade avenues may be in play but these are in my view by far the most probable.
Further upgrades to the bullpen are another likely scenario in the coming days and weeks. Yes the team has added Chatwood and Yates but expect further movement. An offer is reportedly now out to Brad Hand and Jeremy Jeffress remains in play. Also in play are Trevor Rosenthal, Brandon Kintzler etc. Deep bullpen are now a commonality among contending teams. The more we can add, the better provided the spend remains such that there is room in the budget to address other needs.
To summarize, this is what I think will be emphasized in the coming days and weeks in order of priority. Let's see if time proves it accurate.
Add a free agent SP (preferably Bauer)
Trade for another SP (Gray, Castillo, Marquez, Hendricks)
Add one more RP (Hand?)
Add another bat (likely an infielder and maybe as part of a trade package though FA possibilities remain)
I think 1-3 are musts before Opening Day. 4 is a nice to have that they may address along with 2. However our lineup is competitive as is and this can be addressed mid-season. Whatever happens though, these are exciting times in Toronto.
Hozzászólások