Toronto Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro sends clear message on targeting more players via free agency
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro dropped a bomb about their offseason plans.
The Blue Jays president delivered a clear message Saturday during his appearance on MLB Network Radio.
Toronto isn't done spending, and Shapiro's philosophy doesn't allow for half-measures when building a championship roster.
"My philosophy on free agents is there's no such thing as close. So, you either are done or you're not done. And that's, you know, there's nothing in between. You know, we're still working to get better," Shapiro said.
"Our division is an absolute beast."#BlueJays President Mark Shapiro on targeting more players via the free agent market this offseason:
Shapiro indicated that every team in the AL East has improved significantly with their acquisitions so far this offseason
Shapiro didn't sugarcoat his assessment of the division. He called the AL East "an absolute beast" and rattled off reasons why Toronto can't afford to stand pat while watching rivals improve.
Baltimore made the biggest splash Friday, acquiring Shane Baz from Tampa Bay just days after trading for outfielder Taylor Ward from the Angels.
The Orioles also signed Pete Alonso to a $155 million deal and added closer Ryan Helsley.
"We already knew Baltimore was going to be better than they were last year. They've clearly gotten better with Taylor Ward and yesterday was Shane Baz and others," Shapiro said.
Shapiro's message is clear after Toronto came within two outs of a World Series title last month.
The Blue Jays view that near-miss as motivation to add more talent, not a reason to celebrate what they've already accomplished this winter.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 21 | 116 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro sends clear message on targeting more players via free agency Do the Blue Jays have some catching up to do in the AL East with regards to free agent acquisitions? | ||
| Yes | 85 | 73.3 % |
| No | 31 | 26.7 % |
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