NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. – In recent years the Toronto Blue Jays have been relatively quiet at the Winter Meetings, claiming Chris Colabello in 2014 and adding Joe Biagini in 2015. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see that trend reversed in 2016, because team decision makers still have a long list of needs.
In that respect they’re in good company, as most teams this side of the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros have lots of work ahead. The Blue Jays’ four American League East rivals are certainly among those with a busy week in store at the opulent Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center…
Boston Red Sox (93-69)
The Red Sox have the best team in the division and would likely be considered 2017 favourites at this point. Even so, they have to replace the retiring David Ortiz while searching for pitching reinforcements.
Boston has reportedly been among the teams keeping tabs on Chris Sale, though the left-hander would undoubtedly require a huge haul in return. The Red Sox have also been linked to Edwin Encarnacion in a speculative sense, but their desire to stay under the luxury tax may well keep them from pursuing the longtime Blue Jays slugger. That leaves secondary options including the likes of Mike Napoli and Pedro Alvarez, both of whom have been linked to Boston at various points this winter.
If nothing else, the Red Sox figure to add some kind of bat while bolstering their bullpen this winter.
Toronto Blue Jays (89-73)
By this point the Blue Jays’ needs have been well established. They’re looking for outfielders, relievers, first base options and a backup catcher. GM Ross Atkins said last week that the market for hitters seems more robust than the market for pitchers, and the Blue Jays figure to pursue outfielders in the days ahead, perhaps with an eye on Dexter Fowler (keep an eye on Mitch Moreland in the meantime as well). The Blue Jays reportedly inked outfielder/first baseman Steve Pearce to a two-year, $12.5-million deal Monday morning, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
At the same time, the Blue Jays must also reinforce a pitching staff that allowed the fewest runs in the AL last year. If the deals signed by former Blue Jays Brett Cecil (four years, $30.5 million) and Marc Rzepczynski (two years, $11 million) offer any indication, the price of quality left-handers remains high.
Baltimore Orioles (89-73)
The losses of Mark Trumbo, Matt Wieters and Pedro Alvarez create holes in Baltimore’s starting lineup, and the Orioles should also look for ways to improve their starting rotation.
Baltimore still has a lot of offence, though, and their bullpen remains elite. On paper there’s enough to return to the playoffs if Dan Duquette can add the right pieces. Though the Orioles aren’t always players for top free agents, they could wait the market out and capitalize on deals later in the off-season.
New York Yankees (84-78)
Expect the Yankees to pursue a closer, perhaps Aroldis Chapman, now that they’ve agreed to sign Matt Holliday to become their designated hitter.
While Encarnacion would have made sense for the Yankees, they may prefer to wait two years and spend big on a free agent class headlined by Manny Machado, Bryce Harper and Clayton Kershaw. In the meantime, a top-tier closer like Chapman looks like a fit for the retooling Yankees.
Tampa Bay Rays (68-94)
The Rays could pretty easily part with a starter this winter, and the lack of rotation options in free agency will make the likes of Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi, Alex Cobb and Drew Smyly even more appealing for clubs like the Braves, Astros and Rangers. If a controllable position player becomes available in trade, the Rays may make a move in an attempt to improve on a lineup that outscored just six teams last year.
Unlike their division rivals, the Rays can’t rely on top-tier free agents to address their needs, and they’re the furthest from contention in this division. All the same, they can return to relevance by taking advantage of what should be an active trade market and cashing in a starter.