jaysblue

Yeah I think the most likely player they trade would be Bo if they are leaning towards making a big franchise altering move. Bo still has the most value, whereas Vladdy's value has taken a hit over the past two seasons. Maybe that's why they signed IKF as insurance in case they can't acquire a better shortstop offensively if they trade Bo. If they do move Bo, they could target Adames via trade or free agency next season. From the sounds of it, the Jays want to work with Vlad and help him make those adjustments, so probably they're not looking to trade him at this exact moment.

Yeah if the Blue Jays were to make a massive franchise altering deal, likely involves either Bo, Vladdy or someone like Gausman. I think Bo and/or Vlad are the most likely. They have two years remaining, still young and have upside. Trading one or both of them changes the makeup of the team for sure. Jays likely are past the point of a contract extension with both so might as well move them now if it means getting other elite MLB talent back to help the roster and to shake things up. Can't see the Jays moving Gausman given he's their ace, would be tougher to replace and on a great contract but who knows. Obviously Atkins isn't done, and we all know it's been a slow offseason not just for the Jays but most of baseball. Things should start picking up this month and looking forward to seeing what the Jays could do.

HAHAHAHAHAHA I cried laughing out of my seat! That was hilarious! Love Gibby!

Frenchsoup trying to catch up to Spanky.

Giolito did post a 4.1 WAR season in 2021, 2.0 WAR season in 2020, and a 5.2 WAR season in 2019. Had K/9 rates of 10.13, 12.07 and 11.62 during those three seasons. At first glance when I saw the deal, yuck. But Red Sox paying an extra couple of dollars for the upside. He's still only 29 and they've done a good job in the past with broken down pitchers and helping turn their career back around e.g. Nathan Eovaldi. Obviously if he has a solid year, he opts out. If he sucks again, stuck having him around a second year. Gotta hope he can produce close to a 2 WAR season worst case.

Only guy who probably is serious is Frenchsoup. He loves JD.

Let's hope they sign Hoskins or JDM as a DH. Sign Duvall or Grichuk to share playing time with KK in the outfield. Trade for Edman or Donovan from the Cards or Polanco from the Twins to play 3B and/or around the infield. RF Springer SS Bichette 1B Guerrero DH Hoskins or JDM 2B Schneider/Biggio C Kirk/Jansen CF Varsho 3B Polanco or Donovan/Edman LF Kiermaier / Duvall or Grichuk Bench: C Jansen/Kirk 2B/3B/LF Biggio/Schneider 2B/3B/SS/OF IKF OF Duvall or Grichuk / KK

Frenchsoup loves you now haha

Grichuk wouldn't be that bad sharing play time with KK in the OF. Only other RHB that seems logical is Duvall given the Jays need some pop. Would prefer Duvall over Grichuk. Don't mind Pederson at all on a one-year deal as a DH if the Jays miss out on Hoskins or JDM. Plus with Pederson is he's a lefty bat as well which is nice. Plus I'm sure a bat like Duvall or Grichuk could slot in as a DH against tough lefties if they decide to keep KK in the outfield. If the Jays went dumpster diving for a 3B, would prefer Longoria over Donaldson haha. I would love them to trade for Donovan or Edman from the Cards. Gives the Jays plenty of options and versatility all around the roster.

Max will always defend Varsho till the end.

Jays still need to add a big bat like Hoskins or JDM. Offensive struggles were a major issue last season and you can't head into 2024 without addressing that. I don't have an issue with the KK and IKF signings (would have preferred 1 year with IKF but oh well). Jays still have time to add another power bat or two. If they fail to address the offensive issues from last season, then I'll be concerned.

Trade for either Tommy Edman or Brendan Donovan! What would the Jays have to give up?

Heck the more I think about it, target either Edman or Donovan as a super utility player and 3B is solved! Donovan posted 2.1 WAR and a 118 wRC+ last season. Edman 2.3 WAR with a 92 wRC+ last season but had a 5.6 WAR in 2022.

What about targeting one of Tommy Edman or Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals? Could either of those guys play some 3B sharing time with IKF while playing other positions in the infield and outfield? The versatility on this team would be surreal if they brought Edman or Donovan in.

Yeah Biggio likely sticks around to share time with Schneider at 2B and someone who could also play multiple positions when needed. Espinal is the one who needs to go with IKF in the fold now.

The Jays just need to add a DH with 30 HR pop like Hoskins or JDM, sign a OF bat with some pop who could share time with KK, and trade for maybe a 3B like Polanco or Adames who could provide some offense. This along with some rebounds from other bats like Vladdy, Kirk, Varsho or Springer should be more than fine heading into 2024. The Jays have addressed the run-prevention aspect of their team and solidified that more with the KK and IKF signings. Just need to add some more power to the lineup.

Yeah Barnes is the guy to build around. Siakam and OG need to be moved for picks and other young players.

We came close last season, other than Manoah. Good thing Ryu came in and pitched alright afterwards in his 11 starts. It's going to be tough to expect the same results in 2024 from everyone in the rotation.

Anyone going to the Leafs games in Cali after New Years? Will be likely be going to either the Kings or Ducks game haha.

As long as he wasn't brought in as an everyday player, I have no issue with IKF. In reality he will start a couple games per week all over the diamond, but again mostly he was brought in as a depth guy and for his versatility.

IKF is pretty much a super utility guy who could play at any position. Heck he even caught in 2018 and 2019. As a versatile bench option, don't mind at all. As long as he isn't a full time starter. I still expect him to get around 250-300 PA most likely around the diamond all over though.

As a bench option and depth for 3B, I don't mind it. Wish he came on a 1-year deal instead but oh well. IKF isn't going to block anyone at 3B. Jays could still bring in another 3B option via trade like Polanco or Adames or Moncada. Espinal is likely gone now I suppose. No need for him. Let's hope the next couple of moves the Jays make are for a big bat at DH like Hoskins or JDM.

I love the KK signing. The Jays needed a strong defensive 4th outfielder who could cover CF and who could start a couple times per week if needed, which most likely is the case. Still should be good for 1.5 - 2 WAR. Will be interesting to see what other outfielder the Jays bring in to play LF or to split time with KK in CF. I know some posters including myself preferred having Varsho starting in CF and most likely I think he should be given the chance everyday to play in CF. KK will play some CF as well, but I hope Varsho is the main guy at least since he's younger and under club control for another 3 years. Regardless, Varsho needs to hit better period whether he plays in CF or LF. At the end of the day, Varsho is hitting either #7-9 in the lineup, which will be fine. I think the Jays will land one of the DH bats - Hoskins or JDM or maybe Turner. They could afford paying Hoskins or JDM around $20M on a one-year deal. Turner wouldn't be a bad option if you can't sign Hoskins and JDM and as mentioned could play some 3B if need be. I still think the trade market is the best route to bringing in a third baseman.

If KK is going to be on the strong side of platoon, Grichuk for some pop might not be that bad to have mainly hitting against RHP. Could also play all around the OF as well in case. Would prefer Duvall but Grichuk isn't a bad option either if he's cheaper. Would hope the Jays go big on a DH like Hoskins or JDM though.

Yeah I see KK likely as a guy who gets around 300-400 PA's next season. Nothing more. Nice guy to bring in for depth which is what the team really needed.