After a season where they finished last in their section, the Toronto Blue Jays need a boost in attack and renewal in the relievers, in a context where star players Vladimir Guerrero and Bo Bichette will each be at the last year of their contract.
“I have to do a better job of building around a really good core,” general manager Ross Atkins said Wednesday. I am committed to doing it. »
Atkins spent nearly nine years with the club, but the Jays haven’t won the playoffs since 2016. He will retain his position, team president Mark Shapiro confirmed.
Toronto was swept in two games in the first round in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Atkins took a gamble by essentially bringing back last year’s roster and it didn’t work.
A slow start was followed by other declines, notably in June and September. The Blue Jays spent the final three months of the season in last place.
“We objectively thought we had a good enough team to be section champions and make the playoffs,” Shapiro said.
Injuries to key players like Bichette, reliever Jordan Romano and starter Alek Manoah haven’t helped, but disappointing performances and a lack of depth in the organization have made matters worse.
An aging but solid rotation remains; Adding a high-caliber hitter should be a big priority, though.
The bullpen also needs attention after trades, injuries and lack of consistency led to poor results.
“In this market and for a team like ours, to take the next step, you have to have internal solutions and progress, but also external additions,” said Atkins. We are determined to make this happen. »
Last weekend, the Blue Jays were swept at home by the Miami Marlins, winners of just 62 games this year.
The Blue Jays’ 74-88 record represents their worst record since a 67-95 performance in 2019.
“Playing in September without having a stake in the playoffs is painful,” admitted Shapiro. It’s tough and it’s not a situation we want to find ourselves in. »
