TORONTO -- In a year when we’ve all lost track of which day, week and month it is, the Winter Meetings offer a still spot for the rest of MLB’s offseason to orbit around.

They’ll take place virtually this year, of course, but the Blue Jays are expecting to gain some traction next week like they would in a typical offseason. The non-tender deadline has passed and the tires have been kicked, so at this point, it’s about closing deals. The Blue Jays are ready on their side of the table, but in a slow-burn offseason, they’re not the only party involved in deciding the timeline of it all.

“It doesn’t take much at this point for a deal to happen,” said general manager Ross Atkins. “I don’t know if it’s days or a week or two before things start to pick up for the Toronto Blue Jays, but we’re prepared.”

The short version is that not much has changed over the past month, but a lot could change in an instant. While you refresh Twitter, here are some notes on the decisions facing the Blue Jays.

Vlad-to-third talk won’t go away any time soon
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would like to play third base. In 2019, he was one of the worst defensive infielders in baseball. Those two statements don’t fit well together, so it’s up to Guerrero to change the narrative.

He’s off to a good start, and the Blue Jays are encouraged by the changes he’s made to his body, but this is about much more than his weight loss being the big story on Day 1 of Spring Training.

• Inbox: Will lighter Vlad Jr. break out in '21?

“It’s something we talk about every day, and we’re going to use every day to factor in his progress as we make those decisions,” Atkins said. “Whether that ends up being a door left open or a door cracked open will be determined by each day of his offseason and what opportunities present themselves as they come. I would rather have every piece of information before we decide how open or shut that door is at third base.”

Simply put, the Blue Jays don’t need to decide today, so they won’t.

The only real danger here is getting caught in the middle. There’s a fair argument to be made that the Blue Jays should sign a versatile infielder capable of playing third, while giving Guerrero a chance to compete. If that doesn’t work, though, and the hot corner becomes a revolving door, then Toronto will have missed out on a significant opportunity to upgrade its lineup.

Guerrero deserves the opportunity, especially at just 21 years old, but we also need to frame this within reality.

Winter Ball for Guerrero
Guerrero is expected to play Winter Ball in the Dominican Republic with Escogido, which will be an important piece of this equation. To make a real run at playing third base again, live reps against legitimate talent are incredibly valuable.

“We’ve been supportive of the progress he’s made, and we’re obviously excited about each day that he’s improving,” Atkins said. “It’s something that we’re working through each day with him as we work through the risks.”

How Cavan Biggio factors into all of this
Cavan Biggio can play third base. He can also play second, first, the outfield and the organ during the seventh-inning stretch. This gives the Blue Jays a backup plan, but there are factors that come in front of that.

“We would be comfortable if he ended up playing predominantly third base," Atkins said. "The answer to the most likely scenario, it’s just so hard to say. There’s two other significant variables in the rest of the offseason and who we acquire, and Vladdy.”

The ideal situation here is still finding an everyday solution at third base, leaving Biggio to move around the diamond with the majority of his reps at second. If Guerrero does convince Toronto that he’s ready for regular reps, then Biggio could see an expanded role at first base, too. Biggio’s versatility and openness to these roles allows the Blue Jays to figure out the more complicated variables first.

Catchers on catchers on catchers
The Blue Jays have five catchers on their 40-man roster which, in most ways, is a good problem to have. It’s also something that other clubs notice.

“We’re really glad to have depth there. It is historically -- in my career at least -- something that is talked about as being very difficult to acquire. A lot of teams have approached us about our catching for that reason. We feel it’s a good position to be in.”

Don’t forget the name J.T. Realmuto, but as the group of five stands right now, the Blue Jays have plenty of offensive upside in Alejandro Kirk, a steady big leaguer in Danny Jansen and some prospect depth to deal from if they choose.

Awards season
The Toronto chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America voted on its year-end awards recently, naming Teoscar Hernández the player of the year and most improved player. Hyun Jin Ryu was named pitcher of the year after finishing third in American League Cy Young Award voting and reliever Jordan Romano was named rookie of the year.

The John Cerutti Award, given annually to recognize “goodwill, cooperation and character,” was awarded to former Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Alford and broadcaster Mike Wilner.