Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins spoke to the media today as the club introduced recent signees Kevin Kiermaier and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Those comments were relayed by reporters including Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportnet (X links), Shi Davidi of Sportsnet (X link) and Keegan Matheson of MLB.com (X links).
“We feel really good about the team that we have,” Atkins said, while acknowledging that further moves could still be forthcoming. “I don’t think we’ll add three players. I think, most likely, that it’s closer to one.” The forthcoming addition would “most likely be in the outfield or DH category, but we’re not limited to that.” When asked if their third baseman was already on the roster, he said that “We feel really good about the team that we have. Between [Santiago] Espinal, [Cavan] Biggio and Kiner-Falefa, we have opportunities to deploy different lineups and different players playing third base potentially.” Further moves could change the role for Kiner-Falefa but “There could be a pathway for him to get a lot of third base at-bats the way we’re currently constructed.”
All of this would seem to suggest that their likelihood of re-signing Matt Chapman is currently low, though some caveats apply. While Atkins suggested they are more focused on an outfield/DH addition, he did at least leave the door open by saying they are “not limited to that.” It’s also possible that this is a negotiating tactic, downplaying their interest in order to improve their leverage in contract talks.
If it does come to pass that Kiner-Falefa replaces Chapman in getting the bulk of the playing time at the hot corner, that would count as a notable downgrade for the club. Both are excellent defenders but IKF has a career batting line of just .261/.314/.346, which translates to a wRC+ of 81. Chapman, meanwhile, has hit .240/.329/.461 in his career for a wRC+ of 118. Kiner-Falefa could make up for that gap somewhat with his speed, having stolen 56 bases over the past three years, but Chapman is obviously the superior player overall. Kiner-Falefa has a career tally of 3.8 wins above replacement from FanGraphs, a figure that Chapman has topped in a single season on four occasions.
It seems the club is focused on run prevention, as both Kiner-Falefa and Kiermaier are defensive specialists, while hoping for greater offense from their incumbent players. “We feel like last year was just a blip in terms of run-scoring,” Atkins said today, per Matheson. Lineup regulars like George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Daulton Varsho and Alejandro Kirk all had relative down years at the plate in 2023 and it seems like the club is expecting that group bouncing back to make up for the loss of Chapman’s bat.
If this is an honest assessment of the club’s current makeup and not mere posturing, it’s a bold gambit for the club to take. The offense was a bit underwhelming in 2023 and the lineup has since lost Chapman, Brandon Belt and Whit Merrifield. The club seemed focused on upgrading the lineup all winter, having been connected to big bats like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Cody Bellinger and others. While Ohtani and Soto are off the board, Bellinger is still available, as are some other known targets. The club has been connected to DH-type players like Joc Pederson, Michael Brantley, Jorge Soler, Rhys Hoskins, J.D. Martinez, Joey Votto and Justin Turner. It seems at least one addition is still forthcoming but the Jays could be placing a lot of faith in a return to form from the aforementioned quartet.
It’s also possible that some internal improvements could come from elsewhere. Davis Schneider had a red hot debut in 2023 but cooled later in the year. He still finished with a batting line of .276/.404/.603 in his first 141 major league plate appearances, translating to a wRC+ of 176. He surely won’t be able to maintain that, but even some regression could perhaps see him bolster the lineup over a full season.
The club also got encouraging minor league performances, to varying degrees, from players like Spencer Horwitz, Damiano Palmegiani, Orelvis Martinez, Ernie Clement, Leo Jimenez, Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes. All of those players have either made their major league debut already or have reached Triple-A, making them plausible contributors to the 2024 club. A strong step forward from one or two guys in that group could quickly cut into IKF’s playing time. “I know the off-season isn’t done,” Kiner-Falefa said today, per Davidi. “I know are still going to be moves. I’m just ready to play everywhere.”
The club is clearly not done and it’s perhaps best to reserve judgement until later in the offseason, but it currently looks a bit odd. The Jays clearly set their sights high and it seemed as recently as a few weeks ago that they were committed to making a big splash to upgrade the lineup but now appear to have made a significant shift in how they are approaching their 2024 roster construction.
On another note, Atkins relayed that the Jays have added Matt Hague to their big league coaching staff as assistant hitting coach, per Nicholson-Smith. Hague played in 43 big league games between the Pirates and Blue Jays. He last appeared in the majors in 2015 but continued toiling away in the minors through 2018. For the past four years, he has been serving as a hitting coach in the minor leagues of the Jays’ system but will now get a chance to join a major league staff.
No world series since 1983 and no chance of 1 anytime in the near future. Chumps.
1993
Confused them with the Orioles, sorry.
At least get the year right if you’re going to make douchey comments. Chump.
Please, tell me more about how you live a chump life
when was your last World Series appearance? Hell when was your last at bat in the minor leagues? Think you’re confused, you are the chump
Wrong, they’re legitimate contenders
If they actually rotate Espinal, Biggio and IKF as their starting 3B and don’t add an impact bat such as Bellinger, I’m sorry but this team finishes 4th in their division. What a joke.
Im pretty upset but hopefully it means that 1 of there prospects get the 3b job
Then they better play those prospects at 3B from Spring Training onward because they’ve not received adequate playing time at third.
Maybe they are playing their prospects because they have realized they are good enough to be in the majors
I think they finish 4th at best, even if they add Bellinger. I think he’s the most likely bust on the horizon.
But whether they finish 4th this year or the Sox pass them, it looks dim thereafter. Their farm system is bottom third in baseball, whereas the Sox Rays and O’s are among the best. Bichette will be gone soon, Vladdy is a washout who they’ll probably sign for lots of money to cover for the loss of Bichette, and the core of their roster like Gausman, Springer, Berrios are getting on.
Guerrero is a washout? The kids 24 bro take it easy. I love when guys have a down season you want to right them off or claim you know what type of player they are. Baseball is easily the most unpredictable sport in the world, you could have a mvp season then suck the next year and vice versa. You have no idea what Guerrero will become. I do know however he has been working his ass off all offseasom and is in great shape as he was in 21 when he was runner up to the mvp.
Agree in some respects. Vlad is 24 and has a lot of baseball ahead of him. We have no idea who he will become…
Having said that, 2021 has been the outlier of his career. Every other year in the majors has looked about the same as far as OPS and the like. I also think it is safe to assume he was helped playing half the season at Dunedin/Buffalo.
I don’t think Vlad has looked as good since the night he hit 3 HRs vs the Yankees – and suffered the hand injury the same night. That was early 2022 and he looked like he was continuing on from the previous year…
It would be very foolish to write Valddy off already. On a down year he still had nearly an .800 OPS. More importantly he is now in fantastic shape. Best I have ever seen him look. If he stays in this type of shape that days of haters calling him fat are over. The link below shows his current physique (actually that was from a few weeks ago so it may be even better now since he has literally been working his butt off):
reddit.com/r/Torontobluejays/s/yS9WweY90N
Where you’re wrong is thinking Belkinger would make the difference. This team is heading for deadline sales.
As long as they have Shapiro and Atkins running this club , with their roster moves they will never win the divisions or possibly another playoff spot . All the teams making deals except these two guys to improve there ir team.
They probably miss the playoffs and fall to 4th this year. More needed to be done, expect regression from the pitching and weak offense with the glove first approach again.
But some guy said the Jays have projected 5th best WAR in the majors, currently. How could they place 4th???
(I agree with you btw).
With the line up they currently have no way , who said that Atkins
Previous Jays article. Varsho was 3rd on the team in WAR in 2023. Are we serious about calling him 3rd most valuable player on the Jays last year? Bo and Chapman ahead, Kiermaier 4th, then Gausman. If there was ever a time to question WAR, this is it.
“ The club is clearly not done and it’s perhaps best to reserve judgement until later in the offseason..”
Sorry, no. We don’t do that here.
They are done because Atkins believes his damn team is good enough to win as it is .
I sort of feel sorry for all the people that are going to buy those expensive seats because if the renovations they have done to the stadium .
47 less HRs with the current departures and he thinks the offense will be better lol. He shrugged his shoulder a pile of times even he doesn’t believe his own lies. 1 batter he said will be signed lol
Ross Atkins is the biggest hoser.
No…not a hoser. Too American. Too much talk and no action. When his time is done, he will return to his dreamland riding Shapiros coattails. Couldn’t do it on his own.
AA operates like a good Canadian kid. True ninja like with a smile. Cares for his team. AA should be running the Jays.
Yeah Atkins seems to me , now that Chaim Bloom is gone, to be baseball’s worst front office guy for convoluted speech, pretzel logic, word salad mumbo jumbo.
What AA inherited was SIGNIFICANTLY better than what Atkins inherited. And Atkins has got the jays into the playoffs more times than AA.
AA inherited a 2009 squad that went 75-87. Had an ace pitcher in Halladay. If you believe AA inherited a significantly better situation than a 2015 division winner then you are out of your mind.
Yes AA braves had a melt down in the playoffs with all the stars they have. Nobody talks about that.
Hes a corporate account
That 2015 team was old and breaking down though. Most of those stars were done as as elite players by 2017. They had to do a pretty much a full rebuild.
Jaysfansince92 nobody is arguing that part. Arguing that AA inherited worse in 2009.
Yes another Blue Jay blunder today , Hucks signs for 44 million 4 years , you are tellling me the Blue Jays could not afford to give someone that type of money , what’s wrong with with this organization , from Rogers down and the 2 twits that are sitting on their ass signing no one
If it is better Why has no one from the money on the current roster since they took over
Could not agree more he talks in circles and absolutely gets nothing done to improve team.
The Toronto BlueJays cannot win anything with Ross Atkins in the role that he is in with the club. Period.
He’s suggesting positive regression from the named players who had a “down” year as a form of being a better offense. A DH, and a top RP sound like a great start. The DH market has understandably cooled and teams are clearly trying to bargain hunt. Let’s go out and get Hader and silence the concerned fans.
What about the possibility of a pitching regression?? Also the fact that the Jays roster was very healthy last season overall. You can’t count on that luck every year.
Bullpen being a super volatile part of the game; especially when considering injuries, is the very reason why I’d like a top RP. The trickle down effect would help insulate the team in that regards.
I mean he’s right that this lineup should’ve performed better last year. Running it back probably won’t impress fans, but the rest of the East hasn’t really done anything either so far. Bold move standing pat.
Right. Bichette and vladdy lite can both regain form from down years and should be expected too.
I still think they need bellinger and this maybe a ploy to get the price down
This is not a ploy , these guys Atkins and his boss think Kermier and IKF are going to give the Blue Jays a chance at worldseries are dreamers , these guys are making the team weaker by the year with their moves
kripes-brewers — Yeah, it’s probably true that the offense will a bit of a bounce back. (Did Bo underperform??). But they lost good bats from the roster, so expecting both a rebound, and better overall outcomes with a shallower pool of offensive talent, seems almost contrian. Best bet is a similar outcome…and that’s if everyone bounces back and isn’t hurt.
As far as the AL East goes, Yankees did get Soto, and that’s not nothing. The Sawx are making lateral moves seemingly, but a full season from Devers and Cassas is going to be explosive. Rays do what they do, and the Orioles have a ‘if it ain’t broke’ off-season. I guess that is a down off-season in the AL East though.
Blue Jays, Yanks, and Sawx all needed to fix stuff to become better. Sawx leaned into the new young core position players. (They traded for Sale by moving a MI prospect….win a WS w/ him…then ship him out for a top MI prospect. Well played Boston)
I hear you and don’t disagree. Just watching across baseball and so far, much like the NL central and AL central, the AL East is quiet. Could just be a slow offseason or posturing.
You call the moves NY and Boston made this year are quite u call Soto being quite Baltimore does not need much they got a closer which they needed, Tampa is Tampa ,and the Jays look good for last with there moves
Boston did win the trade for Chris sale, but they gave up the top prospect in baseball at the time, several other top pitching prospects almost all of whom are still playable in Chicago (mostly below average-average) and then paid Sale for years where he languished on the IL, and then finally traded him for a playable MI. They won the World Series, so they won the trade no matter what but it wasn’t a masterful set of moves.
Could’ve used the money from Sale to extend Betts instead.
but it wasn’t a masterful set of moves.
=======================
Maybe, maybe not. One of DD’s strengths is moving prospects before they become suspects. Theo was the best of all time, and even he allowed a few prospects to age out.
Weird comments from Atkins. There are plenty of things they could do to improve the team. They could get Soler and his 35-45 HR power for full time DH; they could trade for Kepler for LF position and have Keirmeir as the 4th OF. They could get Turner as part time 3B and DH and pair him with Pederson as a lefty-righty DH combo and Pederson could play LF in a pinch. They could have Turner and Barger as a lefty-righty combo for 3B. So many different things they could do but the way Atkins spoke sounded like nothing could happen. Sigh
Yes. You make your gold glove centre fielder who had his best offensive year your fourth OF.
“His” is not necessarily the best offensive season now, is it?
A few things here to unpack. On paper with blinders on, I can see your point. That being said, anyone that knows his history knows that he’s never once in his career had anything even close to back to back healthy productive seasons. Expecting him to do that at this stage in his career on turf is risky. Kiermaier was quick to want it out to the media that he was signed as the starting CF even prior to the Jays announcing it yet this time, he was seemingly unaware of what his role would be in Toronto this season. Another reason here is Varsho. He’s a CF that’s having his value destroyed playing in LF. They traded for him to be the every day CF and defensively even though he was a catcher only two years ago, he’s really coming along. They need a bat for LF, Kiermaier is a risk so yeah, he might just be their 4th guy if they can sign a bat for LF. They sure as heck won’t be sitting Varsho.
Varsho’s value is not destroyed. He gets to be one of the worst qualified hitters in all of baseball propped up by WAR. Stop that.
If Varsho were shopped in a trade today the Jays would garner little return. Why? Because behind the WAR narrative is a player who is a liability at the plate, and many teams doubt if he can turn that around.
If anything, Varsho’s value is overinflated no matter which outfield position he plays.
We will never know his full value of he’s not playing his natural position. That’s that.
You have a value now. Nice cop out. Typical of someone using analytics without knowing what it is.
That’s that.
Lol. He means the value he would have playing CF full time which would maximize his value. The only one who doesn’t seem to understand analytics is you. You constantly rip on anyone who uses them and it’s clear you don’t fully understand them.
Nice joke. Good one.
Except you already have the value by virtue of time played on the field. Your assumption is he’ll be better in CF over an entire season, and you might be right. You also might be wrong.
But don’t tell me you can’t assess his current value. It only shows you have no clue. His argument (and yours) is nothing short of a lie.
He had 18 DRS in CF in only 400 innnings in 2023. The leader in all of MLB at CF had 19 DRS in nearly 3 times the innings. We don’t have to guess that he would be more valuable in CF, we already know he would be. Over 1200 innings that would be 54 DRS at the level he has played in CF. That would work out over to 5 WAR right there without adding his offense or baserunning. It’s not rocket science.
Expecting KK to be healthy enough to be the starting CF all year 2 years in a row is a bit of a suckers bet though. I’m not sure he’s ever had two healthy years in a row his entire career.
He’s never had anything even close. I lost a costly bet last year because he played over 100 games. He was coming off 427 missed games over 6 seasons when the Jays signed him off scrap heap lol. You as my witness, if he plays 120 games this year with the same production, I’ll get his number tattooed on my leg.
You are right and IKF is also a suckers bet . What is he going to do to improve that terrible offence
Absolutely nothing.
You are absolutely right but Atkins will do nothing and all his boss cares about is fixing the stadium to fill the stadium with the rich , I hope they have problems selling their rich seats
Finally a fan that understands what the jays need
The cubs are waiting for the bottom of the market to fall out on chapman and then they are gonna scoop him for cheap. I hate the cubs more and more all the time
It would be beyond belief if they were to give Guerrero Jr a contract extension. 1 flash in the pan season in a long time in MLB, the rest of the time he has been a 1-3 WAR player. He is what he is. Or what he isn’t.
It will be true to form though. if you remember back, one of their pitchers I think it was Lily, left them for the Cubs and to cover the PR problems they over signed Vernon Wells. I predict the same will happen with Vlad when Bichette leaves. It’ll also help them pretend that he’s a superstar if they overpay him.
When Lilly left Noone cared he was our 3rd or 4th starter, that had nothing to do with signing wells who BTW looked very much worth the contract when it was signed.
The first part is correct. The second part is egregious. Way too much value was tied to his CF play for the contract to possibly end well. It’s true that it went belly up even sooner than expected but it was never a good signing even on paper.
Vladdy Jr can be a star but his professionalism is the issue. He doesn’t always make corrections when he needs too and his diet and fitness are awful. If he shows up in shape and pumped he be back to superstar level, otherwise he is very good.
reddit.com/r/Torontobluejays/s/yS9WweY90N
@Jimmertee He is already in shape. Take a look at the recent picture above. He has been working hard this offseason and already looks in great shape.
If this is really all the Jays do then management should be fired. Not that they are necessarily responsible for the fake news story about signing Ohtani, but IKF can’t be your big signing after the fan base thought they were getting the best player in the sport.
I’ve been calling for Shapiro and his useless carry on GM Atkins to be FIRED since the End of last season’s pure debacle …!!
Don’t Believe a Word Atkins Says !! He’s USELESS !!
Gre, I have been calling for Shapiro and Atkins job termination since 2015. Just saying. And yes, his words mean nothing.
I realize that jimmertee and Do respect what you say…I’ve been trying to give the 2 Clowns the benefit of the doubt since ’15 .
Last season was it for ME….164 games of inconsistent baseball. Then Carry on Atkins, presser Blaming everyone else and throwing his coach under the Bus.
Then ShapiRo and His presser stating “Ross should do better “, then talking in circles about nothing…
These 2 Clowns , should be bussing tables at Rogers Center !!
Yes and a back liar
You can make a strong argument against Atkins, but Shapiro has ownerships trust and wallet.
Jays have spent like never before, both on the field and in their facilities, that’s all Shapiro.
Spending like never before vs spending whatever is necessary is not the same. Let’s stop pretending Rogers will do anything to win.
Spending like never before vs spending whatever is necessary is not the same.
=========================
There has to be limits. The Jays were #5 in payroll last year. I’m not sure you can expect much more than that.
Did Boston do that chasing a ring in 2018 and prior? When you have a nucleus you think can win, why are you stopping if you are a bat or arm away from winning? Have you not paid attention to the AL East the last 30 years?
Surely a Red Sox fan isn’t making a “limits” point. You of all people should know what it takes to win.
Ideally wouldn’t want to spend that much, but that’s the price for making mistakes and missteps years prior.
Shapiro is an elite administrator/renovator/business guy and that is why Rogers loves him. He wouldn’t know a ballplayer if Babe Ruth walked up to him.
Much the same as the phone business, as long as there’s a profit at the end of the fiscal year, you win a gold star and a happy face sticker from Mr. Rogers.
The cell phone business treat their customers like crap. No reason the Jays fans are treated differently.
It’s a hard sell to the fans that’s for sure. We all expected large changes to the roster, and after the Ohtani debacle our expectations became even bigger. I can’t figure out exactly what they are trying to do right now.
The quote specifically says they are bringing in another guy.
Yeah, but it is most likely Joc Pederson. He doesn’t really move the needle with his mid .700 OPS. He is a downgrade from Belt. We got a downgrade from Chapman with IKF and whoever takes over 2nd will likely be a downgrade from Merrifield. Even if our other hitters get back to their previous levels it will be offset by those downgrade. If they don’t get back to their previous levels then they are sunk.
A few sources have said Pederson would take a significant pay cut to remain with a California based team. He also says he doesn’t like turf. If the Jays get him, it’ll be on a huge overpayment and that would kinda suck. He’s not a dangerous enough hitter to do what they need from that spot. Even the scrap heap players need to be overpaid to play in Toronto lol
Hopefully that is true and that forces them in another direction. I would rather someone like J.D. Martinez. I just keep reading he is their current target.
Joc Pedersen made sense when the Jays were shopping for bargains in the 1.5 to 2 WAR aisle and crossing off as many needs as they could that way. Now that they’ve already done that, I would hope they would aim higher. He’s not really the kind of guy you should be saving your last bullet for.
Your right the only way this club gets better if someone other than those two running that team not one should go but both
Swing and a miss!
Love to see it.
The fans in Toronto r used to this crap from this FO by now, they lost out on Ohtani so now they’re gonna stomp their feet and pout the rest of the off-season…so typical of these morons tbh
Are the morons in the front office or are they the fans?
Morons, they have to be put out on there asses , they were willing or so they say to put up 700,000,000 on Ohtani but now pitching Pennie’s to sign any one
As fans should we not be upset? The best player ever was on his way in a plane to sign, we ended up with ikf so to me that seems like a pretty good reason to be upset
The false Ohtani report has nothing to do with anything.
As of today the Jays are worse than they were in 2023. I have a hard time believing they are actually finished making moves this offseason. They are probably saying that publicly as a negotiating ploy.
I don’t know about that.
1-He sounded serious, and was specific.
2-He’s kind of run out of moves. By signing KK and IKF, he not only spent “some” money, he’s taken roster spots that might’ve gone to Bellinger & Chapman.
After that, who is out there that will provide a lot of help? They don’t really need much pitching. I don’t see them as a disaster, but I think last year’s 89 wins might be the ceiling.
False reporting has everything to do with how jays fans feel right now about the lack of additions to this team. If you don’t know this or see this you aren’t a jays fan. We went from Ohtani, to Kiermaier and Ikf. All the fans I speak to feel if they were willing to add ohtani they should be willing to make a big addition. We technically haven’t had A addition yet we have lost players and the roster didn’t get better it got worse
The Jays performed well last year with almost no contributions from Guerrero and Manoah. If those 2 get back to where they once were they could win an additional 8 games or so.
I agree they kind of backed themselves into a corner with the Kiermaier and IKF signings. At least Kiermaier is good. I think they sign Joc Pedersen another high upside guy.
I think they will do nothing to improve the team , could be last place finish in east
That’s if the pitching staff has a good year like last year , if they do not as is this club I believe is less than a .500 ball club
I believe he’s just negotiating through the media. And look at the way fans act these days. If he said they were signing someone big the fans would get entitled and quote him for saying that every chance they get before the season starts.
The Jays have a good team. They need more help but they got a good team.
Yeah I think they’re trying to drive the price down on some of these guys. Rightfully so, someone like Chapman shouldn’t be worth what he wants. Bellinger is in the same boat too, except Hoyer and the Cubs are playing the waiting game instead of using the media like the Blue Jays are doing here.
Dealing with Boras seems truly exhausting. Some teams simply won’t do it regardless of who he represents. I think the Jays and your Cubs are both teams that will make some big moves still.
Cubs need to open up the pocketbook for sure. Your Cardinals aren’t going to suck again like in 2023, the Brewers are still a threat, Cincinnati did add to the roster where they needed plus they have a ton of young talent that’s going to get better. The only team I don’t see improving in 2024 in the NL Central are the Pirates, which is a shame since they have a lot of young talent too.
Chapman should not be brought back and Bellinger will not sign with jays
After the trade to Arizona last year I don’t want this inept group of leaders making any trades. We have suffered enough. There is only one way to alleviate the Jays problems. Get rid of Atkins and the president. Now. The thought that Biggio, Espinal and IKF can handle 3rd base is ludicrous. I wish Atkins had more respect for the Toronto faithful. We are not that stupid! These two have managed the Jays into mediocre since they arrived from Cleveland. Cleveland!!! What have they ever done to warrant running a large market team like the Jays. Get out Atkins. Tired of your gibberish and out and out lies. Go lid to someone else. Listening Rogers?
Rogers is the root cause of this.
If your definition of mediocrity is the most playoff appearances of any FO since 1993, then I’d hate see your definition of excellence.
Zero division wins, placed 7th in 2020, 6th in 2021, 4th in 2022 and 6th again in 2023. Also a big thanks for 2016 taking over a division winner.
I see some mediocre results and I ignored 2017-2019.
Yes plus they have the extra WC now also
Rogers is not listening these two guys will not improve team they are more interested in renovations than improving team on field
Rogers hired Ricciardi and Godfrey. They hired Shapiro and Atkins. They’ve kept around others and despite what people say, AA/Beeston era didn’t exactly run smooth.
Rogers IS the top. They hired them.
Send them back to Cleveland for free
I’m a Jays fan & these commets are idiotic. Last season’s lineup was flawed. There was no protection for Vladdy. There was no left-handed power. Those flaws still remain. Internal improvement won’t solve those issues.
You are right but frock and frat talk in circles and not getting anything done and remember Atkins threw his coach under the bus and he is still around , can I ask why
Sign Teoscar, slot him behind Vlad in the order, hope he hits like he did on the road in 2023, probably 4 years and less than what Chapman’s looking for will be enough to get it done.
The K total is scary. Another option is a trade with Philly for Castellanos.
Yeah. If Ross suggests an OF/DH type, kinda think Teoscar is best fit too.
No seeds though please.
That’s my thought as well and it would save at least some face with the fans.
These two guys will not bring back Teoscar or anybody else they want to save face and say they guys were not good enough that why they traded them ,( but as it turns out they were wrong)
I think the jays put a lot of stock in signing ohtani, not reported here. Just be like the marlins or pirates – didn’t bid to miss out on any free agent bids, so no disappointment
The Jays have all of the improvements to the park to pay for. Who is coming to buy these expensive tickets? Not the fans driven away by an underperforming team. Rogers will be knocking on Atkins door to get rid of him.
He’s a puppet and fall guy for Shapiro though, they aren’t sending him packing. Even if they fired Atkins, they’d just have another yes man stooge in there getting whipped the following day.
I am hoping that exactly what happens , because those two guys are putting more effort into that than improving team
Jays’ current needs:
3B
2B
DH
LF
PH
SP
3-4 RPs
Good to know Shapiro is taking his job seriously.
They had the second-best team ERA in the AL last year. Varsho isn’t going anywhere. Second base has plenty of candidates.
Third base and a DH-type are where they need to focus.
Just curious, but who are currently in those positions that you don’t want on the team. That way Atkins can trade them all away to the Dodgers and Yankees, perhaps Boston and Tampa and watch those teams use the players to win the world series. Obviously they aren’t good enough to be on the Jays, so put up or shut up and NAME THE PLAYERS you think are minor league talent. To me, Hicks should have been resigned since he is the player the team needs with lights out volume. Hoskins can be signed for the DH spot and bring back Teoscar for 4th outfielder. Sign Montgomery and that team can challenge the Dodgers for the world series in fact, not opinions of those that go by statistics.
All offseason ive been saying trade for nick castallons or Eloy jimenez for DH who couls play 30 or so games in the grass if needed. I want there 3b prospects to be ginen the runway to earn the job barger is a LHH 3b/SS and playes some RF last season. Orelvis martinez is a RHH 3b/SS and both these guys have power. Then also have a bat first dom palmegini 3b/1b. They should be given every chance for 1 to win the job. I wanted a 2b/3b edition who could take 3b if the rookies cant hang. Schnider is the 2b and would have fotten plenty of abs even if the rookie stayed at 3b. Biggio is IF/OF utility and they need a big RH bat in the OF
Yeah thats what every contending team dreams of, a roster filled by rookies who have, to this point, had little to no succes at the mlb level, sounds like a recipe for failure to meet expectations to me! Didnt we go into 2 seasons ago with Biggio and Espinal as the starting platoon at 3rd base and had to trade for Chapman asap….and they traded away the only minor leaguer in their system who will prob be a longterm mlb star
You do realize every player starts as a rookie. Lynn was MVP his rookie season for Boston. Jeremy Pena just won WS MVP in 2022. I will bet if you go back, you will find every WS team has a rookie. Texas just won with Jung at 3B.
The only thing Shapiro is thinking of is the stadium improvement to bring in his high priced seats that I hope the normal people stop buying not the team on the field
He is his days team good enough to compete as is .
Gotta pay for those renos
Anybody else think the handling of the Berrios debacle is still fresh in some of the bigger FA’s minds?
No doubt. I’m sure there are many discussions amongst the players that stay on the golf course. Or at weddings, or parties in the DR. Let’s face it, the players and agents want to succeed too. These days all the players are friends with each other, or are at least part of a family.
Schneider pulling Berrios in the playoffs on a must-win game, with how well he was pitching has got to be one of dumbest managerial moves I’ve seen. Right in line with Dusty Baker pulling Russ Ortiz in the 2002 World Series.
The Berrios situation isn’t especially unique or remarquable. I highly doubt that anyone other than Berrios himself cares at this point. I certainly don’t think anyone would leave money on the table over something fairly trivial that didn’t impact them personally.
That was a pretty bad call, imo. 6 innings is too big a stretch for any BP.
I hope so because Atkins threw The coach under the bus to save his butt and what has he done to improve the team on the field , we got IKF so he thinks we are going to the World Series , I tend to bet last place in the east 2024
As usual, I am calling the BlueJays not to win anything this year. Not with Shapiro/Atkins making the decisions.
The current roster can’t win. Over the course of the season, the rotation will be good but there is currently only one quality depth starting pitching type in the whole organization, the rest is fodder. They need at least 3 quality starter types for depth. If the buffet boy Manoah reports to camp with lower weight and higher muscle mass that will drastically help. He could use a psychiatrist too.
Currently the offence will be awful. it can get better if the buffet boys Vladdy and Kirk report to camp with lower weight and high muscle mass that they have both had in the past. As stated at the time, Atkins traded the wrong catcher.
About the offence, the Jays need at least a bopper. Davis hunts heaters and the opposition clubs know it. He failed to adjust last year, he is not the answer but he’ll get better than he finished 2023. The key might be Orelvis Martinez. He is going to be very good.
I like the IKF and Kiermaier moves as quality depth but that is all they are. They might win a game or two and they are what they are.
Springer will continue to slide because of age, Mitch White is a AAAA player, Jansen is a keeper, Bichette will be Bichette but as stated before injuries will likely increase and he would be better at 2nd base especially in must with situations, Espinal is what he is.
Another key is Varsho. He is defensively elite but is not clutch at the plate. He needs to lay off the high heaters.
This is another year where fans will hear more excuses and spin from BlueJays leadership.
Nice long comment but every thing u said is correct , last place in the east 2024
Right now the Jays are 4th or 5th in the AL East given the current roster and fatso moron John Schneider as manager – who constantly is outmanaged by every single manager in the AL East.
But the club needs to trade from its surplus of platoon/bench players who are either MLB ready or almost mlb ready. Atkins needs to make a deal with MLW for Adames or Yelich and a season of Corbin Burnes. If they bring in Adames, then bring home Teoscar and there’s your other OF/DH bat.
But if this roster stays the way it is then Atkins and Shapiro should both be hog tied gagged and pushed off the top of CN Tower for crimes against the club.
Platoon/bench players are not going get you Adames, Yelich or Burnes, no matter how many you offer Milwaukee.
I’m surprised that there’s been no buzz around an Alex Manoah trade. Surely there must be a team that’s more willing to play him than the Jays are.
Hold up. For starters, Manure or Manoah as you call him has been linked several times to trade rumours this offseason. He was noted as being the centerpiece of their offer to SD for Soto. Here’s the problem with that. Last year he proved to be lazy, egotistical, out of shape and in the end insubordinate. Sure, the team handled him poorly, he should have been left down in the minors the first time but they rushed him back at the first sign of hope. When he refused the next assignment, he pissed away a lot of trade value. He’s at this point marked as a reclamation project that would be a risk. I hope he makes a comeback this year but there’s not much of a wonder why teams didn’t bite on trades for their stars that only guaranteed them a problematic pitcher in return.
It’s not the manager that wins the World Series it’s what Shapiro and Atkins puton the field as a team , and also not the amount of overpriced seats and how much alcohol u sell in your new venues
Bummer… I was hoping they’d resign Chapman.
Hopefully that “outfield or DH category” is Bellinger, or at the very least Joc.
It seems to be the same thing every off season with the Jays. They’re interested in big names but never make an actual push. Shohei might have been an exception, but even then they missed out and haven’t made up for it.
But what would “making up for it” constitute exactly? Just spending money recklessly for the hell of it? For all the melodramatic moaning in this thread, the pivot to budget options actually made a lot of sense given the risks associated with this market’s second tier. There’s a reason no one has yet caved to Chapman and Bellinger’s demands and it’s not that every single gm is a cheapskate
I’d imagine they’re looking for more than a 1-2 year deal, but I’d rather sign Bellinger or Chapman for a year, watch them potentially return to MVP Belli/2019 OAK Chapman, sign them long term, than sign IKF and the 37 year old reliever from the Nats. Plain and simple.
Better yet, had they brought back Chapman and called it an offseason, with the intention to keep adding on to the roster in the ’24 offseason, ’25, etc, I would have been totally fine with that.
Making up for it – They were in the mix for Yamamoto. In my opinion, Rhys would have been a decent pick up. Move Vladdy over to 3rd again. Trade options available. I feel like anyone could say there is a lot they could have done/could do that would be better than a defensive re-sign and a 37 year old reliever who they are hoping can replicate his ERA from the winter leagues. It’s not going to happen.
“They’re interested in big names but never make an actual push.”
in the last 4 years, they’ve SPENT.
Signed Ryu, Springer, Gausman, Bassitt. These weren’t chump change signings.
Lesser term signings – Semien, Robbie Ray, Yimi Garcia, Chad Green
Talk about being a spoiled fan.
Spoiled fan? With 2022 as a *possible* outlier, they’ve put out the same mediocre team for the last 7-8 years. Canada is itching for a WS appearance.
How’d Ryu turn out other than his first season? Semien jumped ship. I don’t even think they made any effort to keep him. What about the absolute gold mine of free agents that were available last season? Chad only played in 12 games last year, lol. AND had a 5+ ERA to boot. And since when is Yimi Garcia considered a “big name”?
Yimi Garcia is an overpaid only low risk use situation workhorse. He is a good setup depth innings eater and definitely not a big name.
Jays spent because they fumbled making trades in 2017 for prospects, fumbled again in 2018, spent on guys like Randal Grichuk’s extension (you neglected that one), and wasted chips on a washed 2020 season.
They also would have been better off dealing Semien and Ray in 2021 rather than going “all-in” being way back in the standings. That won’t sit well for Jays fans but they went from 8th to 6th in the standings when the Berrios trade went down.
So yes they had no choice but to spend. And not on a Bo or Vlad extension.
If you think Joc Pederson solves the offensive production problems or insulates Vladdy even a little, you’re really grasping at straws. Pederson, Votto, Santana, Belt and all the others they’re linked to just aren’t enough. It’s gotta be a big bat with guaranteed production. Additionally, sources close to Pederson have said he will take a pay cut to play in California and won’t play in a cold market.
Who do you have in mind?
Lol no one they’ll actually sign. Soler would be a better option because he can actually play the field a bit, Pederson’s defense has fallen off a cliff since he was in LA. If they’re going with a strict DH, pay Martinez whatever he wants.
I am sorry and disappointed but I think Shapiro and Atkins think IKF and the other scrap they signed will take them yo Worldseries
I pay Rogers $90/month for my phone bill… surely they can make a financial splash and add to this roster
Switch to Oxio. Not kidding.
Forget it the big dplash unfortunately I think IKF . Last place 2024
I wish Ross Atkins would join my fantasy replay league. I’d love to mop the floor with the “lightning in a bottle” and “dumpster diving” strategies
100 percent true that’s were he should be
Atkins is a joke. The team.raised prices immensely then lowers the quality of the product on the field. lowered from a team that has not been able to even win a single playoff game. Fire him now
Atkins is kinda like Jean Chretien(sorry Americans this is a Canadian only comment lol), dont u think? He talks out of the side of his mouth bc nothing he says is actually true!! Consider this, they try everything to sign the best player in the game, fail, then after signing just KK and IKF suddenly the team is in good shape? Wtf Jean, r u high as a kite? So u were prepared to waste $700(oops or was 460?) million of your bosses’ money needlessly bc in your opinion u already hv a great team! Which is it Mr Chretien?
TBH, all I hear is whining from you. Not many GMs (if not any) will speak to the media and show the world their plans on who they are going after, or ‘what they think of the team’ etc.
.
Yes, I realize it’s annoying that he talks like a politician, but AA was no different with the Jays. He always played it tight with the media and said almost the same things.- word salad.
Get a grip. The offseason has been extremely slow. The majority of teams haven’t done much either.
I really wish jays fans would stop bringing up AA like he was the best gm in team history. Let’s not forget that he had a losing record as a GM, traded Halladay for absolutely nothing that panned out and really did nothing but dumpster dive. He couldn’t get the team to open their wallet either. Go ahead, look at his resume with the Jays, show me this genius work everyone speaks of.
Sorry buddy all assistant gm s or gm s with something reasonable to say speak to media , those who have nothing to say except speak highly of their clubs renovation which will cause high priced seat should say nothing, especially if nothing done to improve team
I’d be shocked if they were done. Another outfielder for sure. They have some intriguing kids that could cover 3B. They had a lot of off years from the offense last season.
Do not be shocked last place east 2024 . No other changes coming Atkins thinks his team is Worldseries competitive as is
So we hired another hitting coach who was a terrible hitter in the majors…. and they like the teams direction?? Oh dear god its going to be a long season.. better hope the pitching staff can keep the team afloat again this year.
Hire new hitting coach , but sign no hitters that puts us last place east 2024
Does Biggio have photos of the american boy genius Atkins. How he is still on team is a mystery. Atkins is not a closer . Agents/Players meet him leave saying unless He offers crazy money not signing with him.
I mean the team made Biggio even more redundant than he already was by signing IKF. I wouldn’t say he’s exactly in good standing. Any playing time he gets will either be earned with his bat or merely the result of collective underperformance.
Atkins has to go. So does the guy who hired him. Rogers has to see that they are going to get stuck with a huge renovating bill because people are not going to pay big bucks to watch a mediocre team. I for one will not buy a ticket for a Toronto game to watch a five dollar team in a billion dollar theatre. I will stick to Buffalo. Great food, great drinks, cheap tickets. Baseball players and leadership trying to win! Shame on you Rogers to let those two morons make a fool out of you.
I second this – if you can make the short drive, Buffalo is a great experience for a ball game. Some may balk at it being Buffalo but the park has great sightlines, much more affordable. If you prefer, plan your visit when a ML player is rehabbing or a pitcher you want to see is starting. This AAA team is a premium fan experience compared to the $$ visit to see the Jays, even when they win
Well put
Thank You
WOW, what a joke. What a God damned joke. I’m not watching that garbage team. 4th place locked up tight boys!
No try last in East 2024 and beyond with those 2 running the team
Yeah, they’ll be battling with Boston for the cellar for sure.
For Jays fans, let’s hope that IKF is not getting the bulk of the at-bats at 3B.
“Meanwhile” can’t be in the middle of a sentence, set off by commas. It must come at the start. Learn this, MLBTR.
I have been a defender in general to irrational sheep Shatkins commentary and have defended them for most of their moves. Until Bradley Zimmer was left off the playoff roster when he was kept around all year wasting a roster spot last year, where cracks started to show. Why Kikuchi over Zimmer? Why have i still not seen this question asked let alone answered. Schneider was done to me after last year’s abortion of roster management. How can the same group of baseball minds so into run prevention now not know the importance of bringing in non -2war OF and SS defenders when up big and late in playoffs.
This last year was even worse, especially for schneider.
But here’s what i hate the most. i have a BCOMM i know what posturing looks like but you dare bring back ikf and kiermaier and say you’re happy? I dont think Boras reaches Jays fan level of naivete.
He has been disengenuous, sent mixed messages. ( happy with our team but devastated we didnt get ohtani), and thats what it is. Thats what I cant stand. And thats what needs to go.
I dont hate the KK (steal) deal or ikf in a vacuum. But if he is expecting us to take 7 war step back with bo and vlad 2 years from FA (while creatively managing to destroy varshos worth as kiermaier #2 hitting 9th) ive got tickets to shred.
If you do just plan in signing one more bat from this fa heap, ross, you might as well sign domingo german too. At least id respect the misdle finger courage.
One the best takes I have heard on this situation. Faith restored that the fan base isn’t just morons at this point.
I think that the disrespect that Jays management has for the baseball knowledge of the fans is disgusting. Atkins needs to pack his bags now. He has lost any faith from the fans. Shapiro will not be far behind when Rogers sees the bill for all of the renovations against dwindling fan support. It will be a pleasure to see these two leave Toronto.
I am hoping the same thing people stay away from what garbage these guys putting on field and calling it contender
The massive influx of casual fans that have found the team over the last five years will get bored with a losing team real fast. Kiermaier will make sure all the thirsty old ladies will still watch though lol
I have seen comments here in regards to casual fans and “dumb” points of view. No point of view is dumb. It is what that person believes to be true. Let’s be more considerate. Personally I fell in love with the game playing it as a child and then becoming a fan. The 1960 Pirates were the team that pulled me into fandom when I was 12. I have followed the Jays ever since their inception. There are a lot of fans like me. Long time fans. Knowledgeable! That is why it is so disgusting to us to hear Atkins lie about how he has faith in this team to turn things around. He lied when he said that he believes IKF can handle playing 3B. He knows none of this is true. Rogers should put more faith in their fan base instead of a lying idiot who along with his boss Shapiro have never won anything. Anywhere. Anytime. After the Arizona debacle they have proved they can’t even win a trade. Please Rogers listen to your fan base. Who is more important? Them or us?
Is anyone excited about the new hitting coach? Love his .226 career batting average! Let’s see how far he can drag the boys down this year!