When do you expect the Blue Jays to hire a manager? And who do you think it will be? Rocco Baldelli would be a great hire.
-- Logan W., Kingston, Ontario
The Blue Jays have entered the final stage of their interview process, and a final decision should be made in the near future. Astros bench coach Joe Espada was in Toronto earlier this week for an interview, and Baldelli is believed to be a finalist as well, while also drawing interest from the Twins.
The final decision ultimately will come down to which skillset the Blue Jays prefer. Espada has more experience in a traditional coaching background with one year as a bench coach and three more as a third-base coach with the Yankees. He's bilingual, and his ability to speak Spanish has to be considered a major asset by the Blue Jays, who have emerging players such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
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Baldelli, a former big leaguer, has four years' experience as a special assistant in baseball operations for the Rays. He spent time as a first-base coach and Major League field coordinator, but his background in player development is particularly intriguing for an organization that is concerned not only with the 25-man roster but also the entire Minor League system.
According to Sportsnet, Rays bench coach Charlie Montoyo and Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde remain in the mix as well, but Espada would be my pick as the favorite. Teams typically avoid making major announcements during the World Series, but the Blue Jays should have someone in place by the end of the postseason, or at least before the start of the General Managers' Meetings from Nov. 5-7.
What is the top priority this offseason? What type of moves should we expect?
-- Mason M., Burlington, Ontario<p.> </p.>
<p.>The top priorities are centered almost entirely around the pitching staff. The list of position players should remain relatively unchanged except for some minor tinkering, but the rotation and bullpen are a different story. Toronto's rotation next year will be Marcus Stroman, Aaron Sanchez and Ryan Borucki. And then, who knows? Expect one free-agent addition while the final spot could come down to a competition between veterans on Minor League deals or a group of prospects including Sean Reid-Foley, Thomas Pannone, Jacob Waguespack and the recently acquired Julian Merryweather. </p.>
Are the Blue Jays going to spend some money this offseason and go after some top free agents? Or is Ross Atkins going to search for bargains through free agency and trades?
-- Pauline L., Kamloops, British Columbia
The Blue Jays are going to spend some money in the rotation and bullpen, but the club is not going to make a run at the top free agents. Expect Toronto to do its shopping in the secondary and third-tier markets to find a couple of undervalued assets. It's similar strategy to last offseason, when Toronto spread its money around to acquire Jaime Garcia, Tyler Clippard, Seunghwan Oh, John Axford and Curtis Granderson. The focus will be on one-year deals for guys who can help out right away and potentially turn into an asset at the non-waiver Trade Deadline. If a long-term asset is acquired, that will likely be through trade.
Will the Jays be able to get anything for Yangervis Solarte?
-- Gio R., Barrie, Ontario
The Blue Jays might look to deal one of their surplus infielders. But when it comes to Solarte, it's doubtful a trade will surface. Instead, his $5.5 option likely will be declined and he's expected to become a free agent. Even if that happens -- and even if Troy Tulowitzki doesn't return next year -- Toronto has too many infielders for too few spots. Gurriel, Devon Travis, Aledmys Diaz, Brandon Drury are all in the mix, and that's before Toronto even factors in a promotion for Guerrero. Putting someone in the Minors could be an option, but if there's an enticing offer for Diaz, Travis or possibly even Drury, the Blue Jays would probably jump all over it. Regardless of what happens, it's safe to assume Solarte's days in Toronto are over.
Is there any chance Marco Estrada will be back next year?
-- Nathan O., Swift Current, Saskatchewan
Estrada's time in Toronto is not definitively over, but it seems unlikely that he will be back. There's always a chance that Estrada could return on a low-level contract with some incentives, but the Blue Jays are expected to seek a little bit more certainty from whichever pitcher they choose to join their rotation. Toronto has a clear need for a veteran who can eat up innings, and that's something Estrada has not been able to do the last two seasons because of recurring back issues. There would be more interest in a possible reunion with J.A. Happ, but it seems improbable that the Blue Jays would be able to come away with the top bid.
What's the deal with Dalton Pompey? Is he ever going to play for this team again?
-- Jessica F., Mississauga, Ontario
It would be pretty shocking if he does. Pompey was the only player on the Blue Jays' 40-man roster who did not receive a September callup. His omission was glaring and appears to indicate that the former top prospect no longer has a future with this organization. The 25-year-old is out of options and will have to clear waivers if he doesn't make the team out of next year's Spring Training. It's unlikely to even get that far, though. The Blue Jays tried to find a taker for Pompey earlier this year to no avail, and with spots on the 40-man roster at a premium, there's a good chance Pompey will simply be cut loose this winter.