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Mark P
7:30
Hey there everyone, let's talk Blue Jays!  Lots of questions in the queue already, so let's get cracking....
Jays fan
7:31
How does the outfield look in 2023? Springer to right? A lefty hitter somewhere?
Mark P
7:32
Moving one of Hernandez/Gurriel makes sense, either to land a left-handed hitting outfielder or to address another need (and then a LHH OF would need to acquired elsewhere).
Tony
7:32
162.5 Games Springer plays in CF for the remainder of his contract.  You taking the Over or Under?
Mark P
7:33
Given how thin the CF market is this winter, I would suspect Springer still plays the bulk of action in center field next year. Plus, he's under contract for four more years, so an average of roughly 40 games a season?  I'll say over
Ryu
7:33
Does his salary count against payroll or can they stash him on a long term injury list ? I don’t see him taking the field next year
Mark P
7:33
No such thing as a LTI list in baseball, that's only in the NHL.

It is quite possible Ryu doesn't pitch in 2023, given the timing of his Tommy John surgery.  Absolute best-case scenario would seem like he's back by the All-Star break.
7:34
One possibility would be to bring Ryu back as a reliever, since he wouldn't need to build up his arm as much.
Atkins
7:34
Should I trade Espinal as a Sell High player or do you see more All Star play from him?
Mark P
7:35
Leaning towards sell-high, given Espinal's struggles against right-handed pitching.
John
7:35
What do you think are the chances the Jays move Bo to 2B?
Blue Jays
7:35
What will it take to move Bo to second base? And why does it seem that the Jays are hesitant to make that move?
Mark P
7:37
Getting into a broader discussion of the middle infield, moving Bichette to 2B and then trading maybe two of Espinal/Biggio/Merrifield would make some sense, and perhaps help the roster overall depending on who the next shortstop is.

Bichette had a rough year defensively, though some of the metrics (particularly DRS) were pretty impressed with his work prior to 2022.  Given the importance of the shortstop position, I can understand the Jays not wanting to move Bichette until they know for certain that he isn't a capable option.
All Star Game
7:37
Once renovations are done will they start trying to host the ASG?
Mark P
7:37
I would imagine so.  The Jays' only ASG host was way back in 1991
shapiro
7:37
How much job security does he have?
Mark P
7:37
Contract runs through 2025, and I doubt he's in any trouble whatsoever.
B
7:37
Bees?
Mark P
7:38
Beads?!
Danny Jansen
7:38
I HAVE to be the C being traded, right?  Kirk is an AS starter, Moreno is a future stud, and the one P I work great with (ryu) is done for season...
Mark P
7:39
It's a difficult question facing the Jays, since Jansen probably also has the lowest trade value of the three catchers.  Not to say that Jansen couldn't bring back something decent, but it's just that Kirk or Moreno could net a more clear difference-maker.
Trog
7:40
How about a Kikuchi trade to the Rangers in a change of scenery to a pitcher's park? I assume Toronto is ready to move on from him in his walk year.
Mark P
7:41
Kikuchi is under contract for two more seasons, not one.  And I'm not sure if Texas is an ideal fit, as much as they need pitching.  They'll certainly be targeting bigger names in free agency or the trade market, and might prefer their in-house options for the fifth starter role over taking a flier on Kikuchi rebounding
Window
7:42
With Merrifield, Gurriel, Hernandez, and Chapman in their walk years is a window closing?
Mark P
7:43
No, given how many bigger pieces (Vlad, Bichette, Manoah, Springer, Gausman, Berrios) are controlled or signed for longer stretches of time.
7:44
But yeah, those are three and arguably four (Merrifield) everyday regulars that might be moving on as soon as next winter.  This is part of the logic behind dealing one of Hernandez or Gurriel....doesn't seem likely that the Jays extend or keep both guys
P Kram
7:45
Will we see a change in the culture of the Blue Jays next season? They talked plenty of smack before the season, only to be inconsistent, settle for a wild card and then not even win a postseason game (one of which was lost in spectacular fashion). I like that the players are confident but could they temper that with some humility?
Mark P
7:47
Team that wins the World Series: "Wow, these guys have some real characters in the clubhouse that keep things loose, and that really helps a team win."

The other 29 teams: "Wow, these guys should learn to be as focused and professional as the team that won the World Series."
TxDude
7:47
Kelenic might be a nice change of scenery candidate who could be a fit for the Jays. What day you?
Mark P
7:48
Kelenic is an odd player to evaluate for trade purposes.  On the one hand, he was a top prospect in the very recent past.  On the other, he has shown absolutely nothing at the MLB level.  If you're the Jays or any other team, what are you offering Seattle that's worth the risk, or would the M's take something below market and sell low on a young player who might still break out?
bob
7:49
is there an argument for not trading any of the catchers? after all one of jansen or kirk pretty constantly served as the dh this year and if one was dealt, we would probably have to go get another impact bat to fill that void
Mark P
7:50
The Jays could theoretically rotate several players through the DH spot to keep everyone fresh, which might not be a bad idea if Springer needs additional DH time.

But, there's also a case they keep all the catchers.  Moreno has been working out at other positions, so while he'd be most valuable behind the plate, if he can hit well AND be a multi-position player, that's also awfully valuable.
BlueJayMatt
7:51
How high is the Blue Jays' salary budget going to go? Will the come close to the Luxury Tax number?
Mark P
7:53
Their projected tax number is just shy of $216MM, as per Roster Resource, and that's already close to the $232MM luxury tax line.  While some non-tenders and smaller moves will reduce payroll a bit, the Jays are already pretty much in uncharted territory when it comes to spending.
While it doesn't feel like ownership will okay a big splurge, there isn't an actual evidence to support them NOT continuing to increase spending in some way
Evan
7:53
Will the Jays add some power arms in the pen? All the good pens have guys who throw hard.
Taylor
7:54
How successful could they be at finding an arm or two that throws real heat for the bullpen? It’s clearly an area that needs improving. Aside, can Kikiuchi be converted and have his heat bump up? Thoughts?
Mark P
7:55
Not that power arms are necessarily easy to find or develop, but it's very true that the Jays were lacking in high-velo strikeout relievers.  

Kikuchi will continue to get another shot at starting, but I suspect his leash is pretty short.  Turning him into a reliever might be necessary, and it would be a good silver lining if he could actually be that higher-velo type
Ground out Gurrero
7:56
Do you think vladdy will bounce back? Seems like the league has figured out what to throw him
Mark P
7:58
Guerrero definitely needs to make an adjustment to get the ball in the air more often, though the new shift rules will at least allow for a few more of his hard-hit grounders to get through for hits.

Also, even the "lesser" version of Vlad still hit 32 homers, had a 132 wRC+, and was still a dangerous hitter.  If this is his floor going forward, that's still really good
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