After the re-signing of center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and the addition of utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa, what must the Blue Jays do from here? The Jays opted to keep their strong outfield defence from last season by bringing Kiermaier back, as well as strengthening the bench by adding IKF. The next job to be done is to bring in a/some power bats and fill the hole at 3rd base.
Power Options
Some options for a power bat include signing Rhys Hoskins, J.D Martinez, or Jorge Soler. The Jays have also been linked to Joc Pederson. Hoskins didn’t play last season due to an ACL tear, but in seasons prior has hit 25+ home runs and even had 2 30+ home run seasons. J.D Martinez hit 33 home runs while batting .277 last season for the Dodgers. Jorge Soler hit 36 home runs last season, good enough for 12th in the major leagues while maintaining a .250 batting average. Doing so in only 137 games.
In regards to the latest rumour Joc, last season he had a down year hitting only 15 home runs while batting .235. Despite the recent struggles, I think he could rebound end up being a solid bat like he usually is for the teams he has previously played for.
Re-Signings?
Another option includes resigning some players from last season. Although Matt Chapman would be overpriced his defence is elite and something I think the Jays will miss next season, but I don’t think the amount of offensive production warrants the massive contract Chapman is looking for this offseason.
I would love to see the Jays bring back Jordan Hicks as he was a flame thrower for the back end of the Blue Jays bullpen last season. I do not think it will happen though, it doesn’t feel like the concentration is on the bullpen at this moment.