Inside The Blue Jays

Ranking The Blue Jays' Biggest Offseason Needs

Breaking down how the Blue Jays should prioritize offseason needs in the outfield, at third base, in the rotation, and more.

Mitch Bannon

David Dermer-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

The Blue Jays have some holes to fill this winter.

Generally, the needs are pretty obvious: offense. But, prioritizing where that run-scoring injection comes from while filling secondary needs will be the big puzzle Toronto's front offense needs to tackle in the coming months.

Here is how the Blue Jays' positional needs rank in order of importance:

1. Outfield

The Blue Jays have George Springer and Daulton Varsho locked into long-term outfield spots, but their biggest need this winter remains a third bat for that OF trio. With Kevin Kiermaier heading to free agency coming off a 2.2 fWAR season, the Jays have a decision to make: move Varsho to CF and go get a new LF, or find a centerfield replacement and keep Varsho in left.

If the Jays decide to bring in a new centerfielder, a Kiermaier reunion seems most likely. But, for a team in desperate need of a little more offense, the left field market will be Toronto's best bet. The one benefit the Jays have with this LF/CF hole is outfield is one of the deeper positional groups in this year's weak free-agent class. Beyond Cody Bellinger and Korean import Jung Hoo Lee, there aren't many All-Star caliber guys out there, but there is an opportunity to add some real thump in an outfield spot.

Without any internal options to fill a regular role, the Jays must acquire at least one OF bat this winter.

Some free agent fits: Kevin Kiermaier, Cody Bellinger, Jung Hoo Lee, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Harrison Bader, Adam Duvall, Mark Canha

2. Third Base

Matt Chapman had a streaky two years as Toronto's third baseman, but he leaves an undeniable hole in the infield. Barring a Chapman return, this will be Ross Atkins' most difficult spot to fill this winter. The free agent infield market is particularly thin, so I expect Toronto's trade talks to revolve mainly revolve around third.

The reason 3B doesn't rank atop Toronto's winter needs is due to the internal options. The Blue Jays don't have any upper-minors outfield prospects that project as everyday players, but young infielders like Addison Barger, Damiano Palmegiani, and Orelvis Martinez could, theoretically, step into the hot corner hole. I'd be shocked if the Jays hand one of the kids the third base job on Opening Day, but they're at least options if Toronto exhausts all resources to address the other needs.

Some free agent fits: Matt Chapman, Jeimer Candelario, Evan Longoria, Gio Urshela

4. Depth Starter

If Alek Manoah comes into camp looking like his 2022 self, the Jays should be fine with the current starting five and Bowden Francis and Ricky Tiedemann filling depth roles. But, the public and private messaging from the team doesn't exactly suggest the Jays will be comfortable sticking with that gamble.

The easiest way to give Manoah a shot at the rotation while baking in contingencies would be to sign a swingman. Free agents Alex Wood, Michael Lorenzon, and Luis Severino all have Stripling-esque potential to step comfortably into a rotation spot if asked, while also pitching out of the 'pen if Manoah earns his job back.

Some free agent fits: Michael Lorenzon, Kenta Maeda, Luis Severino, Alex Wood, Kyle Gibson

3. Designated Hitter/Another Bat

Generally, adding a big bat is Toronto's top priority this winter. But, filling that need in the form of a full-time DH is more of a luxury. If the Jays don't ball out for a Bellinger- or Chapman-tier free agent, there are plenty of options for the DH role on the free agent market, though.

Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith has already hyped up the bounce-back potential of a 1B/DH type like Rhys Hoskins coming off injury, but guys who can play 40ish games in the outfield and DH most of the time like Jorge Soler and Joc Pederson also look like natural fits to me. Both sluggers have 30+ homer and .800+ OPS potential and would immediately become a top power threat in Toronto's lineup. They don't necessarily jive with the defense-first approach the Jays took last winter, but if Atkins wants to add some thump that's a trade-off they'll have to make in some spots.

Some free agent fits: Rhys Hoskins, Josh Bell, Jorge Soler, Michael Brantley, Joc Pederson, Andrew McCutchen, Brandon Belt

Published
Mitch Bannon
MITCH BANNON

Mitch Bannon is a baseball reporter for Sports Illustrated covering the Toronto Blue Jays and their minor league affiliates.Twitter: @MitchBannon

Home/Analysis