The Toronto Blue Jays are battling the Los Angeles Dodgers for a World Series title, leading 3-2 heading into Game 6 on Friday.
They’re one step away from their first championship since 1993. But first, they need to get through Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Friday – and he’s coming off two complete-game wins in his last two starts.
Even with Toronto’s season still alive, it’s never too early to think about next year. Whether they win it all or not, the club will face some tough decisions this winter.
The Blue Jays risk losing star shortstop Bo Bichette this winter when he hits free agency. Plenty of teams will be interested in his skill set.
They could also lose Shane Bieber, who delivered a great performance in Game 4 of the World Series. The former AL Cy Young Award winner will generate serious interest this offseason, but according to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, he’s the player Toronto should focus on re-signing.
“Meanwhile, if that rotation loses all of Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, and Bieber this winter, whether they have the arms to run it back again as AL East champions becomes questionable, at best.”
The Blue Jays also risk losing Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt. Miller emphasizes bringing back Bieber to save part of the rotation rather than trying to retain Bichette, which could get expensive.
While fans would love to see Bichette return, that might not be realistic. Toronto has a limited budget and needs to use it wisely.
The way I see it, keeping the rotation intact makes sense. Starting pitching wins championships, and losing three veteran arms would leave a huge hole. Bieber’s still in his prime at 29 and showed he can perform on the biggest stage.
All things considered, the Blue Jays have some tough choices ahead – but that’s a good problem to have when you’re playing for a championship.
