As the team looks towards October, the front office is already preparing for next season and with Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista both set to hit the free agent market, management must have a backup plan if they lose either (or both) of their star players.
It might be too early to speculate, but rumors have already begun and the latest reports have the Jays possibly showing some interest in Cincinnati Reds Joey Votto. The two teams reportedly have had talks in the past to no avail, but that could change this winter as Toronto looks to keep pace with the rest of the division and keep the momentum this franchise has built in recent years moving forward.
The 33-year-old has rebounded nicely after an injury cost him much of the 2014 season. Over the last two years, the veteran first baseman has hit well over .300 with 54 home runs and 167 RBI’s, terrific numbers for a player on a struggling team and not much to play for but pride.
A deal over the winter would bring the Toronto native back home and to a hitters friendly ballpark, but more importantly, it would give the Blue Jays a strong presence in the middle of the lineup should they need the help. Votto has been one of the best power hitting players in the MLB during his career and a move to a contending team could rejuvenate the veteran and increase his numbers in 2017.
The free agent market for hitters is deep this winter and it could put the club in a bidding war to keep their star players. Making a trade would help keep the salary situation in check, but also land them the player they need to contend with Boston and the rest of the division next season.