At first glance, the Toronto Blue Jays appear to have a major-league roster that perhaps features more position players than spots available. The additions of Randal Grichuk, Curtis Granderson, Yangervis Solarte and Aledmys Diaz certainly bring versatility and depth, but general manager Ross Atkins isn’t ruling out further moves.
“There’s certainly the potential that we could add to the overall position player group,” Atkins said Tuesday morning on Sportsnet’s Starting Lineup. “Hopefully that person can play multiple positions and more than just infield and more than just outfield.”
Candidates who could see outfield time in 2018 include Steve Pearce, Ezequiel Carrera and Kevin Pillar, as well as Grichuk, Granderson and potentially prospect Teoscar Hernandez.
Solarte and Diaz, who has options and can be sent to the minors, figure to be in the infield mix behind regulars Troy Tulowitzki and Devon Travis.
“Really now, it’s about upgrading,” Atkins told Greg Brady and Elliott Price on Sportsnet 590 The FAN. “To upgrade our outfield would mean subtraction on some level. We’re open to any way to make our team better and will continue to look to do that.”
The GM also touched on the club’s status as underdogs in the American League East, saying Blue Jays players are fully embracing it.
“It’s professional baseball and there’s never going to be a year where we’re not talking about some monsters across the industry,” he said. “What we focus on is our group and our team. We certainly are aware of our competition.
“Our players don’t even blink at it,” Atkins added. “They don’t even think two seconds about what that means. The competition and the challenge excites them. There’s a tone amongst this roster where they’re thinking, ‘Hey, we’re going to sneak up on some people this year.’ The crosshairs are not on our back at this point.”
Listen to the full interview in the audio player below.
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