Blue Jays Offseason Goals

[T1EliteP]

I'm a big jays fan, and I figured I'd ask you guys what you would do if you were in Ross Atkins (GMs) shoes. Here's the list of things I would attempt to do, although some of them are much easier said than done.

Trades:
1. Trade Alejandro Kirk to MIA in a package for Sandy Alcantara. Alcantara stated that he wants to stay in Miami, but has been unable to come to a contract extension. Marlins GM Kim Ng seems reluctant to spend money on pitching, and Alcantara has been one of the most underrated pitchers in the MLB the past two seasons. He's a more consistent, healthier Aaron Sanchez, with better off-speed.

Trade: Alejandro Kirk (C), Jordan Groshans (SS) for Sandy Alcantara (SP)

2. Trade for Jose Ramirez. JRam fits the culture and style of the Blue Jays perfectly, and has a very inexpensive contract (which will become an issue if the Jays sign Ray, which is likely due to his relationship with pitching coach Pete Walker). JRam will be very expensive, but fufills a need at 3B, especially with the loss of Semien (chances of resigning are very low). He also serves a more veteran presence, while fulfilling the swagger and energy of the young guns in the lineup.

Trade: Cavan Biggio (2B/3B), E. Pardinho (SP), Orelvis Martinez (SS), Dasan Brown (OF) for Jose Ramirez (3B) and and Anthony Gose (RP)

3. Acquire one more bullpen piece for Grichuk. Regardless of whether Pearson ends up in the rotation or the pen, another solid reliever is necessary. Signing relievers would be preferred, but budget concerns cloud this area. Cutting Grichuk adds more stability to the lineup (Grichuk has a low OBP and has lots of poor team/situational ABs). His name still pulls some weight despite relatively poor performance, and would likely be welcomed in a team such as Baltimore (regardless of the AL east rivalry).

Trade: Randal Grichuk (OF) for Orioles Tanner Scott (RP)
or Tigers Gregory Soto (RP). A 25-30 prospect may need to be added for the latter.

Signings
1. Resign Robbie Ray to a 4-5 year deal (21M/year). This is going to be tough, but is very possible due to the relationship between the coaching staff and Ray. Pete Walker played a large role in Ray's success, and it would be silly for Robbie to abandon that. Ray will likely get 20M+ following his Cy Young season, even though he has been incredibly inconsistent in the past.

2. Resign Kirby Yates. No one knows if he will be effective after surgery, but it would be nice to recapture one of the better relievers in the MLB for cheap, in the 4-6 M range. Not the most important thing at all, but I don't think you can go wrong for the right price.

3. Sign one of the following relievers;
Jake Diekman, Mychal Givens, Daniel Hudson or Aaron Loup. A change of arm slot would go a long ways on this team, and these guys are solid. Hudson is over the top but a very competent reliever overall. McHugh would be nice, but seems unlikely. Ottavino is great, but doesn't fit the attitude and culture of the team. Brad Brach could be a cheap signing and worthy of a spring training invitation. Joe Smith and Tony Watson wouldn't be bad choices either.

4. Sign Ervin Santana. This seems like a very odd choice, but the Jays need a long guy to soak up innings. He will come cheap and can get thrown into blowout games to soak innings (Montoyo has a history of burning good relievers when losing, then putting in poor relievers in leverage situations). He would serve as a good injury replacement, as there will be one, without a doubt.

5. Sign Charlie Culberson or re-sign Lamb as infield depth. The only minor league infielders that could crack a spot is Kevin Smith and Otto Lopez, so an extra guy would be nice. Donovan Solano would be great but should start, and I want to see what Espinal can do.

6. Sign Jorge Soler (3 Years, 35 M). Likely there is no budget for this, and he does not fit the on base needs of the team - but if he is able to perform hit home runs consistently in the 7-8 spot in the lineup, a lower batting average is less important. He could serve as a second clean up man, as spots 4-6 in the lineup are still all star caliber hitters.

If they could pull these trades and signings off, and manage the budget effectively, this would be the team:

SP1: Ray
SP2: Berrios
SP3: Alcantara
SP4: Manoah
SP5: Ryu/Pearson

C: Danny Jansen / Reese McGuire (a big spring training from Gabriel Moreno could project him as the starting catcher).
1B: Guerrero Jr.
2B: Santiago Espinal (very underrated. Let's see what he can do with 400 ABs).
SS: Bo Bichette
3B: Jose Ramirez
LF: Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
CF: George Springer
RF: Teoscar Hernandez
DH: Jorge Soler.

Bench:
Breyvic Valera
Jake Lamb / Charlie Culberson
one of Jansen / Mcguire


Bullpen (9 guys)
CP: Romano
SU: Cimber
SU: Soto / Scott
RP: Yates / Loup / Hudson / Diekman / Givens or Merryweather
RHP: Richards
LHP: Borucki/Gose?
LHP: Mayza
Long: Pearson/Hatch
Long: Stripling

If the Jays are unable to sign Ray, then the Alcantara trade needs to happen. Pablo Lopez is okay too, but probably not worth the cost - his stuff doesn't project as well as Alcantara. Josh Palacios could get called up to fill an Outfield spot in event of injury. If they are unable to sign to acquire one of the 7 relievers I outlined, Hatch will stay in the pen. It can also be expected that at least one pitcher goes off in spring training and steals a spot on the roster.

The lineup I would use:
1. George Springer
2. Jose Ramirez
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
4. Bo Bichette
5. Teoscar Hernandez
6. Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
7. Jorge Soler
8. Danny Jansen (Moreno?)
9. Santiago Espinal

Bichette is 4. so we can keep some speed distributed in the lineup.

Obviously this would be hard to pull off, but it is very possible. Another possible move would be to trade away Ryu and dump his salary (i imagine they would have to pay part of it still). If pearson looks good, and they can get Alcantara, I would have to imagine this move would be in order (although you can never have too much pitching). Grichuk has to go. Atkins may not be willing to move Orelvis, but JRam could be a game changer. It is also very possible that Pearson goes in the JRam trade. The relief pitching is less important and can be addressed throughout the year.

If Ray doesn't get resigned, I have to imagine a SP will be coming back from MIA, Alcantara or Pablo Lopez (although I'd love Meyer, Edward Cabrera or Sixto). Luis Castillo from the Reds would also be amazing (what is going on in Cincinatti?).

Also: apparently the Marlins didn't add Griffin Conine to the 40 man. I don't know a ton about the rule 5 draft, but if it's possible to pick him up he could be an interesting guy to DH if they can't find an appealing option. This is a long shot but I think it would be cool to see

[NYBBFAN]

A thoughtful, intelligent post? Where am I?

The Jays would be very hard to stop if they had your projected team, even without Soler.

[T1EliteP]

Originally Posted by NYBBFAN

A thoughtful, intelligent post? Where am I?

The Jays would be very hard to stop if they had your projected team, even without Soler.

haha, thank you

I completely agree. Pulling off the JRam trade would definitely be the toughest part, and Soler could get a much different contract than I imagine. Unfortunately there's not a lot of great guys for that DH slot in their system right now - I could see them pursuing Kyle Seager as well (I wouldn't personally)

[shortstopguy12]

I like quite a bit of this.. However, Orelvis Martinez Is too good of a prospect to trade in my opinion. He could be our starting 3rd baseman in a few years and have superstar potential. Of course he could flounder, but I’d hate to lose him.

[Yaga]

I'd be shocked if they move Orelvis

[base set]

I have no idea how the Jays ownership will approach their obvious chance to ‘open the window’ - i.e. spend on payroll. But it will be interesting.

I also have no idea why the Marlins ownership has been unable to come to terms with Alcantara, which seems like an obvious thing to do, if they have any intention of approaching their own window.

One thing the Jays should do is give a big fat bonus to whoever wrote up the report on Robbie Ray at this time last year.

[Stech36]

Originally Posted by shortstopguy12

I like quite a bit of this.. However, Orelvis Martinez Is too good of a prospect to trade in my opinion. He could be our starting 3rd baseman in a few years and have superstar potential. Of course he could flounder, but I’d hate to lose him.

Originally Posted by Yaga

I'd be shocked if they move Orelvis

For Jose Ramirez, it’s a no brainer. He’s a top 10 position player in the game on a dirt cheap 2 year deal

[T1EliteP]

Originally Posted by shortstopguy12

I like quite a bit of this.. However, Orelvis Martinez Is too good of a prospect to trade in my opinion. He could be our starting 3rd baseman in a few years and have superstar potential. Of course he could flounder, but I’d hate to lose him.

Originally Posted by Yaga

I'd be shocked if they move Orelvis

Originally Posted by Stech36

For Jose Ramirez, it’s a no brainer. He’s a top 10 position player in the game on a dirt cheap 2 year deal

Originally Posted by base set

I have no idea how the Jays ownership will approach their obvious chance to ‘open the window’ - i.e. spend on payroll. But it will be interesting.

I also have no idea why the Marlins ownership has been unable to come to terms with Alcantara, which seems like an obvious thing to do, if they have any intention of approaching their own window.

One thing the Jays should do is give a big fat bonus to whoever wrote up the report on Robbie Ray at this time last year.

There's no doubt that Orelvis could become a star. 20 years old and 28 home runs as a middle infielder is about as good as it gets. However, his lack of speed and reasonably high strike out rate in A ball mean he is going to have to keep hitting home runs at a prolific rate to maintain his value. I think sacrificing him for 2 years of the very proven Jose Ramirez (who fits extremely well due to his low strike out rate and dirt cheap salary) is worth it. Groshans won't do it trade value wise, and Moreno is off limits especially if Kirk departs. I'd rather grab Jose and push for a ring instead of waiting 2+ more years for Orelvis to debut.

I'm not sure what the Marlins are doing - I've been a big fan but it's tough to watch most of the time. Resigning Alcantara is the most obvious move they could make, but they've been trying for a year and it hasn't happened. Better to take advantage now. If he does get resigned, I'd have to think one of the many great young pitching prospects will be dealt for an impact bat. A package involving Kirk/Grichuk/Groshans could be dealt for Pablo Lopez, but I'd rather the Jays give Pearson that spot instead if that's the case. Max Meyer/Edward Cabrera/Sixto Sanchez would be welcomed though.

[LesExpos]

Many great ideas here my friend, but I can see the Jays;

1. Giving Biggio most of the year for sure. If it doesn't work out, trade deadline they bring someone in

2. I don't see Alcantara being let go and frankly, this is Pearson's shot. Those are the only two guys who get their big shots this year IMO (Pearson and Biggio).

3. Doing what they have to do to land Jram, but I will say this. If Cleveland absolutely won't let him go, I can see Toronto going out and bringing back a familiar face--yep, JD, the Bringer of rain. I know it sounds far fetched, but they'd literally be paying him 25 mil or so over 2023 and the part of the year after the trade deadline they have to pay him in 2022. That would be giving Espinal a shot, who frankly I just don't believe in, for 4 months in 2022, which really I don't like. The guys already 26 and literally has no power. If last year was his ceiling (which I believe it was), are we happy with a .780 OPS at third? Which leads to...

4. Matt Chapman. He'll be cheaper than JRam, and that defense is just soooo good!

5. We aren't getting Ray. Let's be frank. The Angels just gave Syndeguard 21 million for an extremely mediocre 2019 and 2 seasons in his prime in which he didn't pitch. Ray is going to shoot for term, much like Semien. I can see the Angels backing up a brinks truck and signing Ray to AT LEAST 6 years at 25 per. They need him more than anyone. I'd be shocked if he came back and honestly, the guy we want to head this staff is much Mightier than Ray!

6. Mighty Max! 2 years guaranteed at 80 million, year 3 option at 35 if he hits say 200 innings in year 2. Bring him to T.O, he's the ace we have been yearning for!

I love trading Grichuk for bullpen help, but will teams want his 11 mil? It was also nice having him with various injuries on the team however I realize that's a luxury we probably won't want to and can't afford going forward.

Please don't bring back Lamb. Yep, we need a decent infielder who is a good back up, once a week kinda guy, but Lamb was an automatic out against lefties. No more of those please.

I love your post, I'd comment more if it wasn't 1am! The Jays should be in a position to compete for the East for sure this year, and we know moves are coming! Exciting time to be a Jay's fan!

[Triple B]

Very well thought out post!

Speculation is fun but one thing I will say, I’m beyond happy that Atkins and Shapiro are calling the shots here. Everything they’ve done has been calculated and while there have been failures, they’ve been very few. Even the things they haven’t done as worked out (Bautista’s 7 year deal naming one).

Fun time to be a Jays fan, that’s for sure.

[eye4talent]

Lots of great thoughts here.

One thing to keep in mind, is that the Jays would’ve sailed into the postseason had the bullpen been competent in the first half of the season. And considering that the Jays have one of the best offenses in baseball, they mostly have to keep things together and fortify the vulnerable areas.

Here’s my two cents…

Re-signing Ray is the biggest priority. He’s figured it out, and continuity with the Jays would benefit both player and team.

A closer would be nice. Romano proved he can handle the role, but if they’re going to spend, a closer would be money well spent. Jansen, Melancon, and Iglesias are all good choices. And then they should fortify the bullpen with Aaron Loup, or at least Kendall Graveman or Ian Kennedy. (Loup’s No. 1 task would be to get outs against Devers, Meadows, and Corey Seager—if the Yankees sign him.)

Kirk would be a nice player to keep, but they do have some serious depth at catcher—much like how the Marlins have an abundance of young pitching. So that would be a good match. Alcantara might be shooting high, but Jesus Luzardo is just the kind of player who Pete Walker could help realize his potential.

Biggio is better than what he showed in ‘21. If the Jays bring in a third baseman, Biggio and Espinal can handle second and utility.

The Jays probably don’t need to trade away too many prospects this offseason, but splurging for Jose Ramirez would be one reason to do so. Perhaps building a package around Groshans would do it. Unless they think Groshans will significantly contribute this year, they can afford to move him, as 10 of Toronto’s top 20 prospects are non-1B infielders.

I love Soler, but a right-handed power bat doesn’t seem like a priority—even if they’re losing Semien. Trading for the switch-hitting Ramirez and bringing in a cheaper lefty-hitting DH option should suffice, and would allow them to focus more on pitching.

Does Grichuk have trade value? Maybe if the Jays eat a big chunk of his contract, but it’s hard to see them getting a difference-maker for the bullpen. Maybe an adequate arm for the bullpen? Or maybe they can take a flier on a buy-low bat like Dominic Smith or Willie Calhoun.

Lineup

George Springer - CF
Jose Ramirez - 3B
Vlad Guerrero Jr - 1B
Teoscar Hernandez - RF
Bo Bichette - SS
Dominic Smith - DH
Lourdes Gurriel - LF
Cavan Biggio - 2B
Danny Jansen - C

Bench

Reese McGuire (until Moreno is ready)
Santiago Espinal
Otto Lopez/Josh Palacios

Rotation

Robbie Ray
Jose Berrios
Hyun-Jin Ryu
Alek Manoah
Jesus Luzardo (with Pearson looming)

Bench

Kenley Jansen - Closer
Jordan Romano
Aaron Loup
Adam Cimber
Nate Pearson
Trevor Richards
Julian Merryweather
Tim Mayza
Ross Stripling - Swingman

*Also, I really want German Marquez to be rescued from Colorado. He could be another trade target for the rotation.


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[BSG]

Great to see another Jays fan here. Look for the official Toronto Blue Jays post and hope to see you post there as well.

For #3, forget Grichuk for a bullpen piece. Just get rid of him. He just needs to go for anything!