Solid options still out there for Blue Jays to rebuild ‘24 lineup

Detour in off-season plans, roster building now comes with sense of urgency

You don’t write a book review on War and Peace without reading the part about “peace”. It’s the same advice, wherein you don’t put a wrap on your review of a major-league team’s off-season before pitchers and catcher report for Day One of spring training. There are plot twists that will undoubtedly occur between now and February, that will change the outlook and must be considered.

Sure, the Blue Jays missed the boat when Shohei Ohtani missed the flight that was reported to be whisking the Japanese superstar from SoCal to Toronto and a date with a franchise-changing destiny. It may never be known how serious was the Ohtani camp in considering an offer from ownership and the Jays to build both a team and the Rogers brand around the world. How close was it? Nobody remembers the name of the horse that finished second to Secretariat. But now, with Ohtani a Dodger and $600-million meant for Shohei burning a hole in their pocket, the Jays pivot to Plan B.  

The same four position needs are …