Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMatt18
If not Bellinger then what OF Bat is really an improvement?
To me it feels like they want to have Varsho, Kiermaier, and Springer as a strong defensive outfield, but really those guys aren't going to play every day and Springer likely needs some time at DH this upcoming season.
Bellinger remains interesting since he can play OF, 1B, or probably DH for this team.
Maybe they look at Teoscar again...but I wonder if they would look at him as more of a DH that can play outfield more than a full time outfielder, so more of a guy that will spell off one of the other three when they need a day off.
Outside of Teoscar and Bellinger though there aren't really any power bats available that can play outfield in free agency.
So then you're looking at a trade. They didn't pay the price for Soto. Verdugo doesn't add any pop. So it would be Max Kepler (do you really want to give up assets for a UFA at seasons end), or would it be if you could somehow convince Tampa to trade Arozarena which would come at a huge cost
Or they go with a strong defensive outfield and try to fill the power deficit at 3B and DH instead.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy
Well, firstly the off season isn't over yet.
Also, secondly they tried to land Ohtani the only real difference maker bat in free agency this year. He was always going to the Dodgers though, so not much they could do.
They also tried to get Soto, but the Yankees gave up a ton to get him and were willing to give more to get him because unlike the Jays they actually have a chance of keeping him for more than just one year.
The free agent pool this year is really weak when it comes to legit bats. The best one remaining is Bellinger but he has huge question marks but wants to be paid like he doesn't hhave question marks because he a good year.
The jays are doing what they can. Players like KK and IKF raise the floor of the team. More of a sure thing than the pile of prospects the Jays have knocking on the door. The good thing is though, if any of those prospects actually shine they won't be blocked by guys like KK and IKF. They are insurance, and you need to add wins to the team no matter if it's offense, defense, baserunning or pitching.
I strongly suspect we will see another move soon. Either they will commit to Bellinger with a plan to play him at 1B quite a bit, or a trade for an OF bat. Manoah, Espinal and a pile of near MLB ready IF prospects are all primed to be packaged up for soe=mething. Heck, maybe they'll do both. Just have to wait and see.
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They pretty much have to make a deal with Bo, Vlad or Manoah. Based on last years' deal from a position of strength, I'd guess Manoah could be dealt, though there was strong wording toward keeping him. Agree that their floor was marginally raised, but the offence is still poorly constructed. The lineup is akin to anything Riccardi had back in the day. Just too many question marks. It was never going to be solved through free agency in a year like this. In the past there were also murmurers of guys not liking playing multiple positions and being shifted around too much. Having versatility is positive but the musical chairs which is in the cards seemingly, isn't a big positive from a player standpoint. As a fan it's a bit frustrating honestly. Some of this could've been solve through free agency in a regular year, but this year it's poor all around, and with the consequent depletion of the prospect pool it only leaves us room for addressing through a trade. I don't mind Teo taking the DH spot but he can't be an OFer. He was terrible defensively. He has to be an average defender to be on the field. Given the moves they've done I can't see him on the team. I'll say, I'd like to move George to DH, and filling the RF with IKF. Then deal Manoah for a 3B. Leaves 2B for Biggio to lose. That OF offence looks among the worst in MLB offence though.