This is probably true. Being a couple of years younger than Teo and a switch hitter I think is intriguing for the Jays. He is likely holding out for the longest term he can get but 4/$82m would be decent bet for the Jays in my book especially with the Springer contract coming off the books after 2026.
Nothing ventured nothing gained is how the saying goes, right?
I suspect at this point it is not even an Atkins decision anymore; it's strictly on Shapiro and Ownership, whereas Atkins will have to assemble pieces for this team based on the outcome not of his making. In this sense you can't completely s*** on Atkins for the Vlad situation. Sometimes GM's have their hands tied in ways the general public can't see but take all the heat.
I think this time the Jays will bag the elephant and get Santander (desperate times, desperate measures etc.)
Get ready to jump back on the Atkins train in 2025.
Did it ever occur to you that maybe these guys are content with the status quo? I don't mean 74 wins status quo, but barely squeeking into the playoffs year after year. Barring another generational player falling into the Jays laps, they aren't going to be the "going for it team" in the near future. That's reality.
I listen to Blair and Barker on occasion. I am subscribed to "Foul Territory" which is not specific to the Jays but overall mlb topics and they pull interviews from around the league. Most recently they had a good segment from the Phillies Show and interviewed Jordan Romano. They are on youtube as well I believe.
Worried about our starting rotation in 2025?
You guys are all forgetting about the rabbit that Atkins will pull out of the proverbial hat during spring training: Jake Bloss
I don't believe Rogers has the patience to allow this management group another shot at rebuild considering the investment in payroll and facility already made. Probably why Shatkins insist on rolling the dice again in 2025. Self preservation.
No more so than any other player trying to maximize his value. Ohtani and Soto are no different. I think most of us if in that situation would hold out for free agency.
Don't confuse rationalizing the decision making of the current regime with full fledged support of them. The difference is subtle but it is there. Look deeper.