The Toronto Blue Jays enter the off-season looking to build a team that will make a return to the playoffs after being excluded this year for the second time in five seasons.
General manager Ross Atkins ruled out trading Bo Bichette on Tuesday, although the shortstop is likely to become a free agent at the end of next season.
“It’s true that the answer to that question would be an easy no if someone called me about it,” Atkins told MLB Tonight. “It is an integral part of our plans, as is [Vladimir Guerrero Jr.], [il] has contributed a lot to this organization, this city and this country, and to baseball. He will become one of the best players in the world. He has been throughout his career and I’m very excited to see them play together. »
Bichette had an injury-plagued 2024 season, finishing with a .225 batting average, 70 hits, four home runs and 31 RBIs in 81 games.
Participating in the MLB general managers’ meeting, Atkins also indicated that relief pitchers were a priority for the team, which must improve at this position this winter.
“We want to improve our pitching staff, improve our offense and build on a team that we think is a good team, that’s in a good starting position. We need to improve our bullpen. This is the area where we have the most opportunities, but we are very excited about the energy here and the opportunity to improve. »
Atkins also told MLB Network’s Jordan Bastian on Tuesday that the Blue Jays are not looking to add a catcher this offseason as their focus lies elsewhere.
Toronto traded wide receiver Danny Jansen this season, but still has Alejandro Kirk, Taylor Heineman and Nick Raposo on its 40-man roster.
Atkins also indicated that Gold Glove-winning center fielder Daulton Varsho may not be ready for Opening Day after undergoing shoulder surgery, and declined to comment on the potential lawsuit by the team of Juan Soto, the star hitter of the New York Yankees, who will be a free agent this winter.
