The Toronto Blue Jays may not be done.
Toronto introduced Japanese free agent slugger Kazuma Okamoto, and during the press conference, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins was asked about the pursuit of other free agents. The Blue Jays have been linked to Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, and Atkins said the team has ownership’s support to spend more money.
“You have heard me say, probably too many times to count, that we will always be open to making our organization and team better, if there is a way to do that,” Atkins said on Tuesday. “At this point, we were answering the question back in early December and even in November, that we felt good about our team. That remains the case.
“We’ve made it better, so we do feel good about your team. The one thing I would add is that additions at this point would cut away from playing time from players we feel are very good Major League pieces. So we have to factor that in. But we’ve always had incredible support from ownership.”
It’s a bold comment from Atkins as it appears Toronto very well isn’t done and could land either Tucker or Bichette.
Blue Jays Interested in Adding a Bat
Toronto made its first splash on offense by signing Okamoto, and the Blue Jays may not be done.
Blue Jays insider Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet expects Toronto to remain in the market for Tucker and Bichette.
“It’s reasonable to expect the Blue Jays to stay informed on Tucker and Bichette in case there’s alignment on a deal,” Nicholson-Smith wrote. “This front office is extremely thorough in considering its options. At the same time, the Blue Jays have already outspent every team in baseball while landing four of the top 15 free agents to sign thus far. At some point, other teams will have more glaring needs and may be more motivated to spend big.
“Take the Mets, who have Tyrone Taylor and Carson Benge projected as outfield starters. Their need for Tucker is greater than Toronto’s right now, and it’s possible the teams’ bids will reflect that. Bottom line, the Blue Jays may be more likely to lurk than lead a bidding war right now. We’ll learn more on Tuesday when Atkins addresses the media for the first time since the Winter Meetings.”
Whether or not the Blue Jays will land either of them is to be seen. But Toronto will remain in the market.
Okamoto Sends 1st Message to Fans
The Blue Jays introduced Okamoto on Tuesday, and he sent his first message to Blue Jays fans.
While he was being introduced, Okamoto spoke English and said he is excited to play for Toronto.
“Hello everyone, my name is Kazuma Okamoto,” Okamoto said. “Thank you very much for this opportunity. I am very happy to join the Blue Jays. I will work hard every day and do my best for the team. Thank you for your support. Nice to meet you. Go Blue Jays.”
Okamoto signed a four-year, $60 million deal.
Blue Jays GM Makes Bold Comment Amidst Pursuit of Tucker & Bichette