The Toronto Blue Jays are making their move. Much like the San Diego Padres, the Blue Jays believe the deals they are engineering will augment a core group of talented players that will contend in the AL Eastern Division.
After word of free agent outfielder George Springer’s deal (the story broke from a barbershop chair) was revealed, the Blue Jays have now agreed to a contract with free agent Kirby Yates (P).*
These signings by Toronto arguably installs the club as division favorites, even though the franchise doesn’t know if it will play in Canada in 2021 because of Covid-19.
Add these three players to the talented trio of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Cavin Biggio (three players I had the chance to see on a regular basis, broadcasting in the Eastern League) and a steady pitching corps and you have the makings of a solid contender.
Certainly the Yankees will be tough, but AL defending champion Tampa Bay has taken a step back with the loss of pitchers Blake Snell and Charles Morton. The Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles are in rebuild mode. That sets the stage for a two-team divisional battle.
These latest signings by the Blue Jays, who announced two weeks ago that club president Mark Shapiro was given a five-year contract extension, is proof Toronto has entered a win-at-all-costs-phase, no matter where the club’s home games are played.
And earlier story had the Blue Jays and Michael Brantley agreeing on a contract.
