Why could Rockie Sasaki's decision be a turning point for the Blue Jays? But in which direction?

Major League opens a new season International Amateur Free Agent Contracting Cycle On Wednesday, Japanese ace Rocky Sasaki cleared the way to choose his destination. sasaki, Designated as amateur based on age and working hoursAccording to reports Final candidates narrowed down to 3: Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padresand Toronto Blue Jays. The Dodgers and Padres have long been considered top contenders for Sasaki's services. The Blue Jays, on the other hand, might seem surprisingly included.

It makes sense to write each of the three clubs. It has a lot to do with Sasaki's decisions. — Such is life whenever there is a possibility of adding potential impactful talent at sub-market prices. Still, it's arguable that the Blue Jays have the most hanging in the balance. Not only will the Dodgers remain World Series champions, but they will also remain one of the favorites heading into the new season. Likewise, the Padres need to remain competitive in the National League, even if they have to change direction. But the Blue Jays are already a team at a crossroads after one of the most disappointing 14 months in sports. Shohei Otani Giveaway.

Toronto has since returned to the top free agency ranks for a brief period of time. So far this winter, the Blue Jays have been linked to the following teams: Juan Soto, max pride, corbin burns, clay holmesand Gleyber Torres. Each player signed elsewhere. It is true that all clubs pursue unsigned free agents. That's the reality of the game. But after a certain point, when a team exhibits a pattern of being second or third best in free agency first, it's worth wondering why that club can't get a deal done. Are their concerns exaggerated? Were players reluctant to relocate to that area? Is the front office acting too rationally for a process that simply demands irrationality? Maybe it's some of the above, maybe none of the above.

What is certain is that Toronto's biggest offseason additions were glove-first infielder Andrés Giménez (who is owed nearly nine figures for the 2029 season) and relievers. Jeff Hoffman And already Garcia. That's fine for good players, but not what you'd expect from a club that won 74 games just before losing a franchise mainstay. Vladimir Guerrero Junior and Beau BichetteI will become a free agent in 10 months. Rather, it seems like an intermediate operation that can be confused with indecision.

In an ideal world, the Blue Jays would get their way.

Starting the rebuild now would seem like an obvious approach while the trade value of Guerrero and Bichette is elevated by the possibility of receiving draft pick compensation (as opposed to moving one or both of them at the trade deadline). The Blue Jays don't have a particularly impressive farm system. That's partly because they haven't had consistent success with first-round picks. Since drafting Marcus Stroman in 2012, they've had 15 first-round and multiple-round selections and only had one player (Alek Manoah) with more than five career wins above replacement. Trading a homegrown star is always painful, but Toronto can benefit in the long run by maximizing the return.

The other option is to focus on short-term competitiveness by upgrading the roster around Guerrero and Bichette, regardless of the long-term consequences. If the Blue Jays were going to take that kind of aggressive stance into the offseason, they probably would have already done so by accomplishing some of their previous goals. While Sasaki's youth makes him a rare free agent who would be a reasonable target no matter which direction the Blue Jays go in, failing to woo him could leave the Blue Jays without another opportunity to add an impact talent to their roster this offseason. You may leave. (Because 'May' is still left Several quality free agents remain.good night Alex Bregman and jack flahertyThe trade market may experience some volatility between now and the opening date.)

With so few cards to play with, it's harder to see how this could be the optimal route for the Blue Jays. Yes, an expanded postseason means it's easier to sneak in than ever. However, the team is still the reigning American League champion (Yankees), two clubs with impressive young cores (orioles, Red Sox) and beam A squad that tends to overperform.

Of course, Sasaki's signing will improve the Blue Jays' chances. But it doesn't guarantee anything. He has had durability issues, and it's worth remembering that he will be a 23-year-old adjusting to a new culture and a new league. It's understandable if you don't have an initiate like Paul Skenes. Year. The real hope is that his presence will empower the front office to add some extra reinforcements, meet the moment head on, and increase Toronto's chances of making a serious run. But then again, enough sunlight has burned that putting the weight of the offseason, and perhaps the first half of the upcoming season, on one's shoulders with one contract seems a bit far-fetched.

Unfortunately, that's the position the Blue Jays find themselves in, and that's why they may have the biggest influence on Sasaki's decision.