The Toronto Blue Jays have been actively pursuing top talent this offseason, hoping to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. However, with the recent news that both Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto are unavailable, the Blue Jays will need to explore alternative options to strengthen their team. Let’s take a look at some potential alternatives for the Blue Jays if these two players are off the table.

1. Pitching Options:

Without Ohtani, the Blue Jays will need to focus on other pitching options to improve their rotation. One potential alternative is Trevor Bauer, who is coming off an impressive season with the Cincinnati Reds. Bauer is known for his high strikeout rates and could provide a much-needed boost to the Blue Jays’ pitching staff. Another option could be Marcus Stroman, a former Blue Jay who was traded to the New York Mets in 2019. Stroman has proven himself as a reliable starter and could be a valuable addition to the team.

2. Outfield Upgrades:

With Juan Soto out of the picture, the Blue Jays will need to explore other outfield options to add depth and power to their lineup. One potential alternative is George Springer, who is currently a free agent. Springer has been a consistent performer for the Houston Astros and could provide a much-needed offensive spark for the Blue Jays. Another option could be Michael Brantley, also a free agent, who has a solid track record as a contact hitter and could provide stability in the outfield.

3. Infield Additions:

While the Blue Jays have a strong infield core with players like Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., they could still benefit from adding depth and versatility. One potential alternative is DJ LeMahieu, who is also a free agent. LeMahieu has proven himself as a reliable infielder with excellent defensive skills and a consistent bat. Another option could be Andrelton Simmons, a standout defensive shortstop who could provide a strong defensive presence in the infield.

4. Bullpen Reinforcements:

To strengthen their bullpen, the Blue Jays could look for alternative options to fill the void left by Ohtani. One potential alternative is Liam Hendriks, who is currently a free agent. Hendriks had an exceptional season with the Oakland Athletics in 2020 and could be a valuable addition to the Blue Jays’ bullpen. Another option could be Brad Hand, who was recently non-tendered by the Cleveland Indians. Hand has been a reliable closer and could provide stability at the back end of the Blue Jays’ bullpen.

While missing out on players like Ohtani and Soto may be disappointing for the Blue Jays, there are still plenty of alternatives available to help improve their roster. By exploring options in pitching, outfield, infield, and bullpen, the Blue Jays can still make significant upgrades to their team and compete at a high level in the upcoming season. It will be interesting to see which alternatives they pursue and how they shape their roster for success in 2021.