Atkins on Blue Jays offseason, Soto pursuit, fan expectations

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins spoke with members of the Toronto chapter of the BBWAA on Tuesday about the biggest questions surrounding his club this offseason ahead of next week's winter meetings.

What can you say about the Blue Jays' meeting with Juan Soto?

I have so much respect for where (Soto) is in the process, what he's accomplished in his career - to be at such a pivotal juncture - and what it means for him and his family. I also have respect for where Scott (Boras) is in this process, (so I'm) not going to comment specifically on pursuit, or lack thereof. The interest is obviously there from all 30 teams.

How do you manage expectations of fans when you're involved in bidding for top-tier free agents?

I just don't know what the alternative is other than to do our best to make this team better. That's what we focus on: to make this team as good as it can possibly be. We understand that certain pursuits may create a level of excitement, and then that may intensify the level of disappointment. But I don't know a better way to pursue it than to do the best possible job we can to improve our team.

What should fans be excited about with this team and in terms of what the front office is trying to accomplish this offseason?

I think just that we're always trying to get better. We're in a position to do so. We've improved our farm system in a significant way at the trade deadline. We have good pieces with real good reasons to believe. The year that Vladdy is coming off of and the emergence of Bowden Francis. Some of the stories from Double- and Triple-A that have come into the fold created depth for us and have created a good starting point for us. We could be in a stronger position but it is, by no means, one that could not build into a contender.

Do you believe an extension for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would change the tone of conversations with prospective free agents?

I don't know - that's hard to project. I think what I can tell you is that we have had a good number of players that like this market, they love this city, they love this country. They've seen the success this group has had. Obviously, they're also aware that we're coming off a disappointing year, but I don't think that's been anything that has been an inhibitor.

Is there anything you learned from the Ohtani negotiations that you're taking into this offseason?

All positive things. We're a very attractive destination, an incredible city, market, (and) country that players are excited about, a team that players are excited about. As we become a group of people working together, we get better at talking about that, get better at presenting that, and get better at trying to execute to the best of our ability.

Do you believe more players/teams are looking to defer money in contract negotiations?

I don't necessarily think there are more players thinking that way. I think it's just more teams, agents, and players being open to different solutions. There's different priorities for every player. In the case of Shohei - I'm not speaking for him - but he was very public in saying that he was attracted to that because it gave the Dodgers more flexibility.

Is signing a top-tier starting pitcher a contingency plan or a priority?

It's more a great outcome. It's not something we can just say we absolutely have to do. We would like to improve our pitching. That would be one way to do it. It doesn't mean if we have an impact (addition) to our position-player group on the offensive side, that we can't impact our pitching as well.

What do you say about the perception that the Blue Jays need to pay extra in order to get players to sign in Toronto?

Winning is the most powerful thing, and the more that we can do that, the better position we will be in. Last year was a disappointment for us, but it does not feel as though it has hurt us in our pursuit of free agents.

I think it just depends on the individual and their personal beliefs. There is some added layer that I think has been broken down over the last five to 15 years. There is somewhat of a perception amongst players that the border could be an issue. During the pandemic, we had a lot more questions around that, but they're quickly answered, they're quickly processed, and if you talk to our players, none of them talk about it as being anything more than 10 more minutes at a line.

Some people don't want to go to Texas either, or they really prefer to be in California, or they really prefer a Florida spring training. I've long said that I feel the Dominican and Venezuelan players transition better through Florida just because of the air, they're used to the tackiness of the ball, they're used to humidity. There's a different Latin American community on the West Coast than there is on the East Coast. It's just so individual and so nuanced. I do not see that as something that we would ever use as an excuse.

Do you expect that you're going to be able to extend your competitive window?

We're certainly going to try to. Nothing's a slam dunk and nothing is guaranteed, but we certainly feel that's possible, and it's definitely our goal.

I would say probably right now, as it stands, we're better situated offensively from the trade pieces we acquired last year. Jake Bloss is a very intriguing piece for us, but we acquired a good number of position players that have impact on both sides of the ball with upside. So I think that group has more depth, and we see a good number of opportunities in both markets via free agency and trade.

To what extent do you think the Soto sweepstakes are slowing down the market for other players?

When someone is near the top of a market, that usually has some impact on others, but that doesn't preclude us or other teams from moving.

When do you anticipate being able to get some things done?

I think there's still a great deal of opportunity for us. We feel confident there are several ways to make our team better. There are aspects in every market, at every tier, that are still available for the organization. We don't have unlimited resources, obviously, but we do have the potential to make our team better via free agency and trade.

As far as timing, it's just hard to say. I think we could do something tomorrow or it could also take more days. It could take weeks before a move actually happens.

With Roki Sasaki set to be posted soon, is signing a player attached to a qualifying offer a deterrent due to the forfeiture of international bonus pool money?

Hypothetically, you have to account for that in every way, (but) then there's also other ways to acquire bonus pool money.

What was the decision behind non-tendering Jordan Romano?

(It was a) very difficult decision on a personal level - how much he's meant to this city, country, team, and what he's accomplished. So, very difficult for us. From a business standpoint, we have to operate as one. So we remain interested in him, and will be heavily pursuing his return, and hope that's a potential reality.

I have no concerns (about his health). I feel like he will be back physically. We have no medical concerns.