*Photo from Sporting News*
Moving up to Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays offseason is profiled.
2019 recap
Despite the emergence of young starts Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Bo Bichette, and Cavan Biggio, the Blue Jays stumbled through 2019, finishing 4th in the AL East with a 67-95 record.
What you need to know
Toronto's rebuild is almost done, so this winter they started bringing in notable players to supplant their young core of Guerrero, Bichette, and Biggio. They started off with a back of the rotation starter in Tanner Roark, but quickly jumped up to the top of the rotation, signing LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu to be their new ace. They ended December by picking up an old power bat in Travis Shaw to fill 3rd base. They picked up some additional depth behind the plate in Caleb Joseph and in the infield in Joe Panik to start the new year. That was just about it for Toronto's offseason
Moves I like
Roark is a good innings eater with good stuff for the back end of the rotation, and Ryu's breakout 2019 should translate over country lines. Shaw is a low risk add in the hopes he can re-discover his power, and they can always cut him if he's indeed cooked. Joseph is still a catcher with upside, and he should compete with Danny Jansen and Luke Maile for the two catching spots. Panik still has some value, and he's a good defender too. Plus top pitching prospect Nate Pearson should make his debut this year, which will further bolster the rotation.
2020 outlook
There is light at the end of the tunnel. The rebuild is almost over in Toronto. They won't start truly competing for the playoffs until at least 2021, but there's a lot of talent and lots to be excited about if you're a Blue Jays fan. They'll be back soon enough.
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