For the Blue Jays to finally move forward and win in the playoffs, the number one thing they need to improve is their run scoring production. I was delighted to learn this past week that (apparently) the Jays hitting strategist Dave Hudgens has been reassigned within the organization. I was disappointed to learn that a similar fate does not await hitting coach Guillermo Martinez. The team really needs a new approach to hitting.
In addition to internal improvements, they really need to add 1-2 proven offensive performers. Back in September, 1B/DH Brandon Belt mentioned that he might retire after the 2023 season. I can see that as a strong possibility. In any event I’m not expecting Belt to return to the Jays in 2024.
Shohei Ohtani is a free agent and I would be shocked to see him re-sign with the Angels, who have managed exactly zero playoff berths during his 6 seasons with the team. Apparently he likes the warm climate of the west coast and there has already been talk of his contract being a record breaking one. So let’s see – a west coast team that is a perennial contender who has shown the willingness and ability to pay big money for proven MLB star talent.
This combination SCREAMS Dodgers to me. Honestly I don’t think there is another one of the 30 MLB teams that checks all the boxes like the Dodgers do. I fully expect Ohtani to be wearing a Dodgers uniform by the end of 2023. Coming off of Tommy John surgery, Ohtani isn’t expected to pitch in 2024. He will be limited to full time DH duties next season.
That would leave free agent J.D. Martinez, who was the Dodgers’ DH in 2023, in search of a new employer.
Even at age 36, Martinez remains one of the game’s best hitters. He did miss some time in 2023 due to injuries, playing in 113 games. If he had had enough plate appearances to be a qualifier, his .893 OPS would have ranked 11th best in all of MLB. He won’t come cheaply to whoever signs him next. On the other hand, considering his age and the fact that he is mainly a DH at this point (he did play 3 games in the outfield for the Dodgers in 2023), it isn’t likely he will get anything near the 5 year/$110 million contract he got from the Red Sox prior to the 2018 season.
The Jays have over $60 million coming off of their payoff this off season. They can afford to pay some money to improve the team; however I’d be surprised if they sign anyone to a monster deal. They have arbitration raises to consider, they have a few different needs to address and (hopefully) extensions to one or both of Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to work out. Those will definitely cost a lot of money. Considering all of the above, we might not see them break the bank on a mega deal with a superstar in his prime.
Assuming that Martinez does become redundant to the Dodgers, why might he be interested in the Blue Jays? Without hearing directly from him what he might be looking for in a new team, a majority of free agent players want to play for a contending team. The Jays have gone to the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, missing the playoffs by one game in 2021. I imagine he would want regular playing time, which, assuming Brandon Belt does not return to the Jays, they would be able to offer him. The Jays are in an interesting position, demonstrating they can get to the playoffs but unable to advance to the next round. Sounds a lot like the Red Sox team that Martinez joined prior to the 2018 season, during which his big bat helped carry the BoSox to a championship.
If the Jays are looking at Martinez as a possibility, they might not consider him to be ideal for their needs. After all, he is exclusively a right handed hitter, and they have made no secret about trying to find more balance in their lineup. Here is the thing with that. In 2023, four left handed hitters had significant playing time with the Jays. Together, Brandon Belt, Kevin Kiermaier, Cavan Biggio and Daulton Varsho had an average OPS of .740. While I have no way of knowing what the Jays will actually do, it is my sincere hope that they won’t overlook one of the better hitters in the game just because he is right handed. They need to acquire players who can make a difference.
Not many moves have happened in free agency as of yet. It’s possible that the baseball world is waiting for Ohtani’s decision and once that is announced, other dominoes will start to fall. Here is hoping the Blue Jays will announce significant moves soon afterwards.