Lots of questions about Toronto Blue Jays’ offseason plans

A Blue Jays press release at the end of the 2023 season announced the team’s intention to advance to the postseason and released playoff ticket information ahead of the final home game.

The main hook for this year’s offer was promotional in nature, focusing on the opportunity for fans to break the stadium record for the number of dollar hot dogs eaten during the season.

What a difference a year makes.

The Blue Jays, who have made the playoffs in three of the last four years, have been below .500 since April 30 and are a strong possibility of finishing last in the American League East.

The club ends its season with a week-long home game. Here are five topics for discussion.

FACE(S) OF THE FRANCHISE

The long-term plan for infielders Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette has been a hot topic since the club’s alumni became major league stars.

That won’t change the fact that general manager Ross Atkins’ offseason will be a challenging one.

Guerrero and Bichette are set to become unrestricted free agents after the 2025 campaign. The franchise’s future plans will become much clearer if they sign contract extensions.

Guerrero has regained the form that helped him finish second in the American League MVP voting in 2021. Bichette, who led the AL in hits in 2021 and 2022, has struggled with injuries this year.

RELIEF NEEDED

The bullpen, which featured a wealth of players last year, has been decimated this season by trades, injuries and poor results.

It could be argued that this is the area of ​​greatest need as the Blue Jays look to return to contention next season.

Jordan Romano is coming off elbow surgery, Yimi Garcia was traded, Erik Swanson had a stint in the minor leagues and Tim Mayza’s long run in Toronto ended when he was designated for assignment.

Chad Green and Genesis Cabrera emerged as the primary high-leverage options in the second half, with average performances.

START SPIN

The team has a solid core of a roster, but adding more depth to the roster — especially a good left-handed pitcher — would be welcome.

Veterans Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt provide a reliable leader who secures a three-point lead.

Yariel Rodriguez is the likely No. 4, while Bowden Francis will definitely round out the five-man squad after a stellar second half of the season.

Currently popular

• US Election 2024: Questions Raise About Groups Knocking on Doors for Donald Trump

• Canadian government’s satellite deal has conservatives calling for Elon Musk’s involvement

Alek Manoah, who missed most of the season due to hybrid Tommy John surgery, is expected to be sidelined until at least June.

TAKING A LOOK

One of the few positives about finishing last in the standings is that it provides an opportunity to take a closer look at rookies, up-and-coming players, and recent trade acquisitions.

Players like Spencer Horwitz, Nathan Lukes, Addison Barger and Ernie Clement all had chances this season and could play important roles in 2025.

BOSS ROSS

The board will be under enormous pressure in the off-season before the window of opportunity for competition with the current core of the team begins to close.

Atkins has served as GM for nearly nine years, with the Blue Jays’ only playoff victories in that time coming in 2016, when they reached the ALCS with a team largely composed of predecessor Alex Anthopoulos.

The Blue Jays lost two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani last year. Another big change at top free agent — think Juan Soto or Alex Bregman — will likely be needed this fall.

Big hitters are desperately needed for an offense that has been lackluster all season. It would also prove to fans and the baseball world that the Blue Jays are ready to make a serious effort to become contenders again.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published September 22, 2024.

Follow @GregoryStrongCP on X.

© 2024 The Canadian Press