A year ago, the Jays had most of their position-player core returning, while the groundwork for the most important free-agent signings — J.A. Heading into this off-season, the Jays have nine free agents: Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, Michael Saunders, R.A. Dickey, Brett Cecil, Joaquin Benoit, Dioner Navarro and Scott Feldman. The qualifying offer ensures that if the players sign with another team, the Jays receive a compensatory draft pick. Almost every other decision Shapiro and Atkins makes this off-season will hinge on what happens with the Jays’ longtime cornerstones. Left-handed hittersWhatever happens with Bautista and Encarnacion, the Jays will likely look to add a little more balance to their heavily right-handed lineup.

Source: thestar October 22, 2016 20:37 UTC