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It’s kind of funny when you look at just how many different things the Jays can still do to meaningfully improve. It doesn’t *feel* like that because of the time that’s passed and the moves that haven’t been made, but it’s very much the case.
and I’ll have a rant at some point about the DJL offer and why it’s fine to finish second sometimes
okay, let's talk Lemahieu. Some fans/media decided to blow up because the Jays finished second for a major FA. General consensus was "They were never serious, no way that offer would top the Yankees. It's like they aren't even trying." Here is why that's flawed...
4/$78M is a serious offer. It's disingenuous to call it otherwise. It's also fair for a team to decide what they're willing to pay, & not stretch beyond that. Especially if they feel good about the alternatives. Just like LA, who apparently offered 4/$60M.
But here is why you engage a player like DJL, even if you expect him to return to the Yankees - because things can change! What if NYY landed Lindor/Bauer, that would've pulled them out of DJL talks. If that happened, he's likely a Blue Jay right now, who would've been in a great
place having invested time into his pursuit all offseason, despite the low odds they could convert. Yes, eventually the Jays need to pull the trigger, but they're aware of this as well. They're not dumb or pursuing this blindly.
They were okay not giving DJL $100M if the Yankees remained serious suitors. They WERE okay committing $19.5M aav over 4 years to a 33 y/o 2B/3B, which is another reason to know that there is money sitting there to spend. These are encouraging things!
Perception and reality can differ, especially during a horrificly boring, slow MLB offseason. No fan wants the offseason to play out like this, but unfortunately it is where things are. We may not know the Jays opening day team for another month! But given that, we can also
reamin cautiously optimistic that moves are coming, and that the Jays will be much improved. There are so many avenues still to get better. Lots of impact free agents, as well as trade opportunities. Few teams have significant $ to spend & Toronto remains well positioned.
