Blue Jays' GM Not Sounding Confident About Retaining Marcus Semien

 

Toronto Blue Jays' general manager Ross Atkins couldn't have been happier about the one-year, $18M deal they signed infielder Marcus Semien to for the 2021 season. He was a leader, a true professional, and a Top 3 MVP Finalist for the Jays. But now, the time of reckoning is here, as Semien is a free agent, and he has a boat-load of suitors, and a massive 9-figure contract coming his way. Can the Jays re-sign him?

"I wish he could have spent more time in the city and the country," said Atkins today on MLB Network. "I think the fans in the country did fall in love with him."

Berríos is locked up, what could be next?

Ross Atkins talks with #MLBNow about the @BlueJays' offseason plans. pic.twitter.com/fCXilkCJ03

— MLB Now (@MLBNow) November 18, 2021

"Yes, he remains an option for us, (but) there's some other interesting infielders via trade and free agency that we're having a lot of dialogue with." He also discussed internal options, and even bringing in a 3rd baseman to fill Semien's spot on the roster.

"We feel very good about Cavan (Biggio) playing 2nd for us, and that is a fine outcome if we acquire someone that is more accustomed to, or comfortable at 3rd base, or fits us better there. Excited about the versatility of Cavan, for sure."

Semien blasted 45 home runs for the Jays, drove in 102, and won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger for his work on both sides of the ball at second base. 

However, given that the Jays are loaded with so many other big bats in the lineup, and with this week's huge Jose Berrios extension in mind, it's obvious that the Blue Jays are keying on the pitching staff as a real area of need this winter, and the front office might not be willing to hand out another massive lengthy big-money contract to a position player, before they bring in (or re-sign, in the case of Cy Young winner Robbie Ray) another big-time arm. 

As to what the odds are of bringing in another impact starting pitcher this winter, Atkins said "I hope they're high... We'll stay committed to that. We're excited about opportunities, whether by trade or free agency."

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