The Toronto Blue Jays are facing a challenging offseason, confirmed by analysts like Jeff Passan and Buster Olney, who have noted key shortcomings in the team's transactions. Despite the lackluster start, one silver lining for Toronto is the depth of this year’s free agency class, which offers ample alternatives to bolster their roster. The recent addition of Jeff Hoffman presents a potential upside, although the lingering concerns from the Orioles' failed physical regarding his signing leave fans cautiously optimistic.

As spring training looms just over a month away, the Blue Jays find themselves in dire need of impactful decisions. Here are three strategic moves they can make to turn their offseason around:

1. Lock in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette for the Long Haul

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a transcendent talent who should ideally remain a Blue Jay for his entire career. Over nearly five decades, the franchise has never successfully nurtured a homegrown star position player who spent their entire career in Toronto—a stark contrast to legends like Derek Jeter and Cal Ripken Jr. Guerrero has the potential to be that generational player for the Blue Jays.

Accompanying Guerrero is Bo Bichette, another cornerstone of the team’s future. Both players have expressed their desire to stay with the organization, and securing long-term extensions for them would not only provide much-needed stability but also reassure fans that the franchise is committed to a lengthy competitive window.

2. Target Power Hitters: Anthony Santander and Pete Alonso

Last season, the Blue Jays struggled tremendously with power, finishing in the bottom five for home runs. With a need for offensive firepower, they must consider signing players like Anthony Santander or even “The Polar Bear,” Pete Alonso, from division rivals.

Adding Santander would be a strategic move to not only enhance the lineup's power but also offer protection for Guerrero. Over the past three seasons, Santander has hit 105 home runs, far surpassing the Blue Jays' top performers in that stat. Meanwhile, Alonso, projected to hit 38 homers this season, represents a tantalizing option. Although both he and Guerrero are first basemen, the opportunity to integrate his formidable bat into the lineup would be invaluable. Alonso’s presence could also serve as a safety net should Guerrero not secure an extension.

3. Make a Pitch for Roki Sasaki: A Potential Franchise Pitcher

The Blue Jays have an intriguing opportunity to position themselves as potential suitors for Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old ace from Japan who has caught the eye of several teams, including the Blue Jays. With whispers of Toronto being among the mystery teams interested in Sasaki, securing his talents could elevate their rotation significantly.

Acquiring Sasaki would not only bolster the pitching staff but also position him as a long-term ace, possibly transforming the Blue Jays into an immediate contender. This kind of surprise signing could not only shake up the league but also reshape the Blue Jays' offseason narrative entirely.

As fans await developments, the hope is that the Blue Jays' front office recognizes the urgency of these strategic moves to bounce back from this offseason's dismal start. Can they leverage these opportunities to cement their status as a competitive force in Major League Baseball? Only time will tell!