Leatest News: 3 backup plans that Ross Atkins can’t afford to botch after losing Teoscar Hernandez

The Toronto Blue Jays’ decision to let Teoscar Hernández leave for the Seattle Mariners in free agency in the 2024 offseason was a blow to the team’s lineup. Hernández was not just a consistent power hitter but also a fan favorite and a crucial piece of Toronto’s offense. As the general manager of the Blue Jays, Ross Atkins faces mounting pressure to make sure the team doesn’t miss a beat in its pursuit of contention in the American League East. With one of the biggest bats in their lineup now gone, Atkins must navigate the rest of the offseason with precision and ensure that his backup plans are executed flawlessly.

In this article, we’ll discuss three major moves or strategies that Ross Atkins cannot afford to botch after the departure of Hernández. These plans are critical to the team’s ability to remain competitive in a stacked AL East and push for postseason contention in 2024.

1. Finding a Power Bat to Replace Teoscar Hernández’s Production

Teoscar Hernández’s departure leaves a gaping hole in the Blue Jays’ lineup, particularly in terms of power hitting. He was a reliable source of home runs and RBIs, and replacing that offensive production is a top priority for Atkins. There are several potential avenues for the Blue Jays to explore in their efforts to replace Hernández’s bat, and failure to address this issue could derail the team’s offense.

The Challenge of Replacing Hernández’s Power

Teoscar Hernández hit 25 home runs in 2024 and provided the kind of slugging power that teams covet in the middle of their lineup. His ability to drive in runs and hit for extra bases was one of the cornerstones of Toronto’s offensive attack. The Blue Jays will need to find a player who can not only fill this void but ideally improve on Hernández’s production.

Backup Plan: Trading for a Proven Power Bat

One of the most obvious ways for Atkins to replace Hernández is through a trade for a proven slugger. Players like the Chicago Cubs’ Ian Happ, the Minnesota Twins’ Max Kepler, or even the Cleveland Guardians’ Josh Naylor could be potential trade targets who bring the same type of power and offensive consistency Hernández offered. Happ, for example, is a switch-hitter who can provide left-handed pop, while Kepler has long been a consistent power source in Minnesota. Naylor, who is on the rise as one of the top power hitters in the American League, could provide both power and run production.

What Atkins can’t afford to do is stand pat or take an underwhelming option. There are clear trade targets that could immediately slot into the lineup and replace Hernández’s bat. A trade for a proven power hitter would not only provide instant offense but also make the Blue Jays’ lineup deeper and more balanced.

Backup Plan: Signing a Free-Agent Slugger

If a trade for a power hitter is too costly or difficult to complete, Atkins could turn to the free-agent market. Players like Brandon Nimmo, who has a combination of power and on-base skills, or veteran slugger J.D. Martinez could be viable options. Nimmo, while known for his ability to get on base, also has power and could complement the Blue Jays’ existing lineup well. Meanwhile, J.D. Martinez, though in the twilight of his career, is still capable of providing consistent pop in the middle of the lineup.

Martinez, specifically, would offer the Blue Jays an experienced hitter who has a track record of delivering in high-leverage situations. Signing someone like Martinez for a short-term contract might also be a smart move, as it would allow the Blue Jays to remain competitive in the short term while Atkins continues to evaluate longer-term solutions.

Ultimately, whatever path Atkins chooses, he cannot afford to skimp on finding a replacement for Teoscar Hernández’s power bat. The Blue Jays are entering a crucial year where their window of contention is wide open, and failing to bolster their lineup could seriously hurt their chances.

2. Shoring Up the Outfield Defense

One of the major reasons why Teoscar Hernández’s departure hurts the Blue Jays so much is his combination of offense and defense in the outfield. Hernández, while not a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder, was a solid contributor with his arm and his ability to track down fly balls. His departure leaves a void not only in the batting order but also in the defensive alignment.

The Challenge of Replacing Hernández in the Outfield

The Blue Jays already boast a solid outfield with George Springer, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and a promising talent like Whit Merrifield. However, the team will need someone who can step up and fill the gap left by Hernández’s presence in right field. This could be a challenge because the Blue Jays’ outfield depth is now thinner, and a drop in defensive production could cost them games.

Backup Plan: Signing a Defensive Specialist

A potential backup plan for Atkins would be to sign a defensive specialist to play in the outfield, who can also contribute at the plate. A player like Kevin Kiermaier, formerly of the Tampa Bay Rays, would fit this mold. Kiermaier is one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball and would bring significant value with his glove, despite his offensive limitations.

While Kiermaier might not provide the same level of offense as Hernández, his defense alone could be a major asset for a team looking to improve in all phases of the game. The Blue Jays could prioritize defense while still hoping for offensive contributions from other areas of the lineup. Given that Kiermaier would likely come at a lower price tag than some other free-agent outfielders, this could be an effective solution.

Backup Plan: Internal Options and Development

If Atkins doesn’t want to bring in a free agent, he could turn to the players already within the system. One option could be promoting top outfield prospect Orelvis Martínez, who has the potential to provide both power and adequate defense in right field. Though still developing, Martínez could provide a young, cost-effective solution to fill Hernández’s shoes in both the field and at the plate.

Another internal option could be the continued development of Raimel Tapia, who is a solid defensive outfielder. Tapia’s bat has shown flashes, and if he can improve his offensive consistency, he could step in as a potential starter while allowing the Blue Jays to keep their budget in check.

The Blue Jays cannot afford to fall short on this aspect of the roster. Without a solid defensive presence in the outfield, the team risks costing themselves runs through poor fielding and defensive misplays, which could be especially costly in high-stakes playoff games.

3. Bolstering the Starting Rotation

With the loss of Teoscar Hernández, the Blue Jays now have an even greater need to make sure their pitching staff is solid. While the offense will need to make up for the void left by Hernández, the team cannot afford to ignore the importance of their pitching, particularly the starting rotation. To contend in the American League East, which boasts several strong teams, including the Yankees and Red Sox, the Blue Jays will need a starting rotation that can keep them in games and limit opposing offenses.

The Challenge of the Starting Rotation

While the Blue Jays have a solid pitching core led by Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman, there is a question of depth. Hyun Jin Ryu’s health continues to be a concern, and the team will need to bolster the rotation with another reliable arm. Losing a key offensive contributor like Hernández means the Blue Jays will need to have a starting rotation that can provide consistent, quality innings throughout the season to keep the team competitive.

Backup Plan: Signing a Veteran Starter

One of the most important moves for Atkins in the aftermath of the Hernández departure is securing a veteran starting pitcher to round out the rotation. Signing a free agent like Jameson Taillon, whose consistency and ability to eat innings could stabilize the rotation, is a crucial step. Adding an experienced arm like Taillon would give the Blue Jays a much-needed insurance policy, ensuring they have the depth to contend throughout the season.

Other free-agent options like Marcus Stroman or Michael Wacha could also provide the stability and depth the Blue Jays require. Either way, Atkins needs to ensure that the team’s starting rotation is well-equipped to handle the demands of a tough division race.

Backup Plan: Trading for a Front-Line Starter

If the free-agent market proves unfruitful or too costly, Atkins should explore the trade market for a potential front-line starter. Teams with deep pitching staffs, such as the Cleveland Guardians, may be willing to part with a starter in exchange for prospects. Trading for a top-tier arm could help the Blue Jays fill the hole left by Hernández’s departure and improve the overall pitching staff.