TORONTO -- It's been a quiet week for the Blue Jays since they kickstarted free agency by bringing back left-hander Robbie Ray, but the club is expected to be aggressive in a market that could develop later than usual. Beyond trades and free agency, the Blue Jays also have some
TORONTO -- It's been a quiet week for the Blue Jays since they kickstarted free agency by bringing back left-hander Robbie Ray, but the club is expected to be aggressive in a market that could develop later than usual.
Beyond trades and free agency, the Blue Jays also have some in-house development to focus on that could take them to the next level in 2021 and beyond.
Here are your questions for the latest Blue Jays Inbox:
What do you make of Vladimir Guerreros reported offseason weight loss, and will 2021 be his breakout season because of it?-- Everyone
This weeks most common Inbox question will be one of the biggest storylines next Spring Training. For years now, the Blue Jays have wanted Guerrero to improve his conditioning, but the public discourse around this has focused entirely -- and unfairly -- on weight. This is about much more than the number on the scale, so while reports of Guerrero dropping weight and Instagram pictures of him looking trimmer are encouraging, theres so much more to this equation.
When the Blue Jays discuss Guerrero, they say theyd like him to improve his routines," and "routines" is the key word in all of this. The Blue Jays will need to see these changes carried from season to season, which the High Performance Staff and Guerreros own team are working on.
Beyond weight, much of the focus is on flexibility, which could help keep Guerrero on the field long term. Working on that flexibility alongside overall muscle health and strength will be easier for Guerrero when hes developed these routines and is working at a more consistent weight from year to year, but these all need to be considered together in a larger conversation.
Right now, the Blue Jays are happy with how Guerrero is approaching this. This is a multiyear plan that goes well beyond turning heads on Day 1 of Spring Training in February, but credit is due to Guerrero for an impressive start to the process.
Adding both Francisco Lindor and Trevor Bauer in the same offseason would be a stretch, but this highlights an important piece of the Lindor conversation.
If the Blue Jays were to pursue Lindor, Clevelands star shortstop who is expected to be available this offseason, it would take a significant package. Using the Mookie Betts deal from last offseason as a loose framework isnt a bad place to start. The Blue Jays arent looking for a superstar rental, though, and Lindor is entering the last year of his contract at 27. Any potential Lindor acquisition would need to lead to an extension, meaning there would be a massive financial commitment on top of the player acquisition cost.
The Blue Jays have five catchers on their 40-man roster in Danny Jansen, Alejandro Kirk, Gabriel Moreno, Riley Adams and Reese McGuire. There are tiers here, of course. Jansen and Kirk look likely to open the season with the Blue Jays, but Moreno will be an intriguing name to clubs seeking young talent behind the plate. As the clubs No. 8 prospect, Moreno could be used to aim high in a deal if the Blue Jays were to chase a big arm, while Adams (No. 22) could be a complimentary piece in a deal. McGuire, coming off a poor 2020 but still young and talented defensively, would still have some level of appeal, too. Major League clubs need catching depth more than most other positions, and the Blue Jays are in a position of strength.
When you look for quick climbers, its as much about their maturity and ability to handle new challenges as it is about raw talent. Austin Martin, the clubs No. 2 prospect, should burn through the Minor Leagues once he gets the chance. Simeon Woods Richardson (No. 4) should do the same, and its telling that the Blue Jays brought him to Summer Camp in Toronto at just 19. Infielder Orelvis Martinez (No. 7) is about to make the jump from young prospect to a name that Blue Jays fans are buzzing about, and it could happen fast.
The 2022 season might be likelier for Woods Richardson, depending on which opportunities are available in '21, but the Blue Jays have plenty of depth beyond their starting five. Another addition is expected, but as injuries pop up through the season, the Blue Jays should have some combination of Anthony Kay, Thomas Hatch, Trent Thornton, Julian Merryweather and TJ Zeuch ready to jump in. Thats a much better depth group -- with far more upside -- than the Blue Jays have had in recent years.
Martins timeline and his defensive position are tied together. Hes too important to this organization to run into a roadblock positionally, though, so I expect the Blue Jays to have him ready at multiple spots on the diamond. Third is where he took his first official grounders at Summer Camp, but this really gets interesting if the Blue Jays try him in center. Frankly, that long-term plan could depend on what the Blue Jays accomplish this offseason. As it stands, a 2022 debut is on the table.
Keegan Matheson covers the Blue Jays for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @KeeganMatheson.
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Inbox: Will lighter Vlad Jr. break out in '21? - MLB.com
