Blue Jays' busy off-season comes to screeching halt with MLB lockout
Toronto still has needs rotation, infield needs to fill out ahead of 2022 season
Several questions about the Toronto Blue Jays' off-season have been answered. The arrival of the Major League Baseball lockout early Thursday means it'll take some time before the rest of the team's 2022 picture comes into focus.
The Blue Jays opened their wallet in recent weeks to shore up their starting rotation. The team also learned that two star players — Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray and MVP candidate Marcus Semien — won't be returning.
The club will consider free agency and trade options to improve but future moves will have to wait until there is labour peace. Here's a look at where the Blue Jays stand now and where things may go from here:
Rotation
There will be a new ace next year after the departure of Ray, who signed a long-term deal with the Seattle Mariners after a 13-7 season with an American League-best 2.84 earned-run average and MLB-best 248 strikeouts.
Gausman signed a $110-million US, five-year deal a couple weeks after Berrios inked a lucrative long-term extension of his own.
There is room to add at least one more starter after reliable southpaw Steven Matz signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. Toronto could look within by tapping Ross Stripling for the fifth spot or giving oft-injured fireballer Nate Pearson another chance in the rotation.
To: The best fans in baseball 🇨🇦<br><br>From: <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinGausman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KevinGausman</a> 💙 <a href="https://t.co/cIg5cam9I3">pic.twitter.com/cIg5cam9I3</a>
—@BlueJaysInfield need
The Blue Jays have been creative with their infield approach in recent seasons and that technique may be needed again.
If Cavan Biggio can bounce back after an injury-plagued campaign, his versatility — and ability to play either second or third base — would give the Blue Jays some flexibility.
WATCH | CBC Sports' Jamie Strashin details MLB lockout:
Big swings
The Blue Jays have not been afraid to swing for the fences since completing a rebuilding process a couple years ago.
Ryu was a big-ticket signing in December 2019 and Toronto made a major splash in the last off-season by landing George Springer.
The team is also not afraid to use its prospect capital as needed. Berrios was acquired at the last trade deadline for top-shelf youngsters Austin Martin and Simeon Woods-Richardson.
Several prospects are progressing nicely in the system and could give Atkins options before or during the '22 campaign.
Taking the next step
The Blue Jays made a late push in the 2021 campaign but were eliminated from playoff contention on the final day of the regular season.
With Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Teoscar Hernandez serving as anchors for an offence with plenty of pop, Toronto should have no trouble putting up runs next season.
There are still many needs to address, but the future looks bright for a squad looking to take the next step after a 91-win campaign.
Just don't look to MLB.com for up-to-the-minute news and analysis.
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