The Blue Jays have, with the exception of RHP A.J. Burnett, all of their key players under contract for next season. Despite the fourth-place finish, there will be no wholesale changes. There will be some minor changes in their bullpen with the likely release of arbitration-eligible pitchers such as LHP Brian Tallet and LHP Jason Frasor. They will be looking to add a catcher.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Jays will have to shore up their starting pitching, which was the best in the league this season. They do not know if RHP A.J. Burnett will opt out or be re-signed to a contract extension. They already will be without RHP Shaun Marcum, who will undergo Tommy John surgery. Although the Jays were pleased with what they saw from RF Travis Snider, they need a big bat in the middle of the lineup. FREE AGENTS: OF Brad Wilkerson, OF Kevin Mench, C Gregg Zaun, LHP John Parrish.
The Jays have no interest in bringing back Wilkerson and Mench. Parrish and Zaun could be offered minor league deals.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Jason Frasor, LHP Brian Tallet, INF Jose Bautista, RHP Brandon League.
The Jays will likely replace Frasor and Tallet with less expensive options and definitely will bring back Bautista and League.
IN LIMBO: C Gregg Zaun would like to return, but the Jays are looking for a younger option as the backup to Rod Barajas.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Shaun Marcum (Tommy John elbow surgery in September 2008) will miss the 2009 season.
2B Aaron Hill (post-concussion syndrome) was cleared to resume normal offseason activities in mid-November.
RHP Casey Janssen (right shoulder surgery in March 2008) is on a throwing program and is expected to be ready by spring training.
RHP Dustin McGowan (right shoulder surgery in July 2008) will report to spring training, and the hope is he'll be ready by mid-May.
RHP Jeremy Accardo (right forearm strain) is expected to be ready by spring training.
