The Toronto Blue Jays will be searching for solutions as they attempt to compete with the rest of the American League East in 2024 after being swept by the Minnesota Twins in the postseason the previous year.
The Blue Jays remain a few pieces away from being a legitimate contender, even with a pitching staff that was among the best in baseball last season, despite the significant decline of 2023 AL Cy rising Award hopeful starter Alek Manoah and two rising stars starting their careers.
The Blue Jays should make the following deal and sign this offseason.
Trade: Get San Francisco Giants third baseman J.D. Davis
The Blue Jays have a large opening at third base to fill since Matt Chapman, who started for them last year, is probably going to play somewhere else in 2024.
This offseason, they signed utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa to a two-year, $15 million contract, but they still need to acquire an everyday third baseman if they hope to find offensive production beyond its two stars, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette.
The San Francisco Giants’ current third baseman, J.D. Davis, may be a great fit for the Blue Jays in a trade, given they are rumoured to be interested in Chapman.
Despite having a great start to the season, Chapman struggled in the second half of 2023, finishing with a slash line of.240/.330/.424 with 58 extra-base hits and 54 RBI, while Davis, who played for the Giants in 2023, slashed.248/.325/.413 with 42 extra-base hits and 69 RBI.
Chapman can replace Chapman at a lower cost as they search for their long-term third baseman, even though he does not have the same great defence that Davis possesses at third base. Chapman is still more than adept with the glove.
Signing: Add a power bat to the lineup in outfielder Jorge Soler
Outside of reliable hitters, the Blue Jays need to add someone to their lineup who can drive in runs with just one swing of the bat. Free agency outfielder Jorge Soler fits that description perfectly.
After having one of his best MLB seasons to date in 2023, the 31-year-old Miami Marlins player hit 36 home runs, was picked for his first All-Star game, and was a major contributor to the team’s unexpected postseason run.
Soler slashed .250/.341/.512 with 60 extra-base hits and 75 RBI in 137 games for the Marlins, adding a bat with the power he possesses would help alleviate some of the load off of Guerrero Jr. and allow him to have some protection in the order.
The Blue Jays are looking to regain the power they shown in 2021, when they led the MLB with 262 home runs as a club, and Soler would be a terrific place to start. Last year, they finished 16th in the MLB in terms of home runs with 188.
The Blue Jays are reportedly interested in Soler. Spotrac’s estimated market worth is now estimated at $55 million for a four-year deal, while the majority of reported deals have been in the two-year range.
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