Although they did not qualify for the postseason, the case can be made the were one of the three best teams in the American League in 2021. Their powerhouse offense and strong rotation were undermined by a fallible bullpen, which is why Toronto went home in October rather than to the postseason. Nothing can sink a season quite like a bad bullpen. Here's where the Blue Jays ranked among the 15 AL teams in various categories this past season: Runs scored: 846 (3rd most)Runs allowed: 663 (4th fewest)Run differential: plus-183 (3rd best)Position player WAR: 30.5 (2nd most)Pitcher WAR: 22.9 (2nd most)The Blue Jays lost two key pieces of their 2021 roster to free agency prior to the lockout: Cy Young winner signed with the , and third place MVP finisher signed with the . Toronto adequately replaced Ray with . They've yet to replace Semien, however. There's an open spot on the infield at the moment. "Adding another infielder either in a significant way or just to complement some Tony Oliva Jersey of the other young infielders that we have would be a good outcome," Blue Jays GM Ro s Atkins told reporters, , prior to the owners' lockout. "Don't feel like we absolutely have to, but we'd like to add another infielder to that mix." The Blue Jays are locked into Jr. at first base and at shortstop. Worst case scenario is they'll begin next season with at second and , who replaced Biggio as the starting third baseman down the stretch this past season, at third base. That said, there's still so much offseason to go. Why not look for an upgrade? , the Blue Jays have roughly $137.5 million on the books next season. That includes Gausman, the extension, and arbitration projections. Toronto ran payrolls in the $162 million range as recently as 2017 and 2018. They have to prepare for Guerrero and Bichette extensions, though ($20 million per year) and ($10.3 million per year) will be off the books in two years. Point is, Toronto should have money to spend this winter. It is no surprise then that Jose Berrios Jersey , , the Blue Jays were "very much" in on before he joined Semien with the Rangers. With all due respect to Semien, Seager would have been the ideal infield addition given his age (27) and ultra-productive lefty bat. As good as the Blue Jays are offensively, their lineup lacks a lefty impact hitter. They're very right-handed. Once the lockout ends, the Blue Jays (and every other team) will have to scramble to finish their offseason busine s prior to spring training. That includes continuing to fortify the bullpen, and also bringing in an infielder to replace Semien. Biggio and Espinal are fine players, though ideally one would fill a utility role. Relying on both as regulars is not ideal. The Blue Jays have money to spend and need to replace Semien. What are their options? Let's dive in. MIN SS #4 BA0.279R104HR26RBI92SB0 Even after the , there are two top tier middle infielders available: and . Correa could join his pal in Toronto and add to a lineup that is already heavy on devastating righty hitters. , though Toronto could slide him over to second base, if nece sary. An outside the box thought: bring in a new first baseman and move Guerrero back to third base. Vlad Jr. settled in nicely at first this year and I wouldn't me s with that, though this is something to consider, particularly with still available. Dream with me: CF George Springer3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.1B DH SS Bo BichetteLF Jr.RF Randal GrichukC 2B Cavan Biggio/Santiago EspinalThe only other elite non-first base infielder remaining in free agency is , who could neatly slot in at third base for the Blue Jays, and also provide added depth in the outfield. I think Toronto would rather add a legitimate middle infielder in a perfect world, though it's po sible Bryant at his price makes more sense than Story and especially Correa at their prices. Because he's a year younger, Correa's contract figures to Glen Perkins Jersey exceed Seager's, and if the Blue Jays stopped short of placing the high bid on Seager, they probably won't win a Correa bidding war. Story is very good too, and it's not completely crazy to think he could get squeezed into a one-year contract a la Semien last offseason. That won't be the case with Bryant (or Freeman). SEA 3B #15 BA0.212R73HR35RBI101SB3 At the moment the middle of the free agent infield market isn't all that appealing. is still available and he would give the Blue Jays a lefty bat with power, something they currently lack, plus he'd add defensive value at third base. As a bottom of the order guy, sure, it could work. Seager wouldn't the best or most inspired Semien replacement, but it could work. The rest of the mid-range free agent infielder market features stopgaps like , , , and . Players who won't move the needle much, if at all. Given where they are in the competitive cycle (i.e. ready to win right now), the Blue Jays should aim higher than the middle of the market. Consider this the last resort section. CLE 3B #11 BA0.266R111HR36RBI103SB27 Toronto ostensibly has money to spend and free agency is the easiest way to spend that money, though it can be leveraged in the trade market too. Teams will straight up give you good players as long as you Minnesota Twins Hoodie pay their salaries these days. Look no further than the dumping and , or what the did at this year's trade deadline. . Consider: 3B , : and Chapman would step right in at the hot corner in Toronto.3B , Blue Jays: Two years and $50 million remaining on his deal. How about a reunion?2B/OF , : Second base is probably his best position and that works perfectly for the Blue Jays.3B , : The ideal trade target given his immense production and affordable contract.Ramrez would be difficult to acquire because he's so good and so affordable Brian Dozier Jersey , and Cleveland doesn't have any other significant salaries they want to shed. But could you get a better deal for Chapman if you take on, say, the $7 million owed to or the $8.25 million owed to ? Call about Marte and Arizona would probably ask about getting out of the $17.5 million they owe . You don't have to try too hard to see how the Blue Jays can leverage their payroll room by taking on a bad contract to lower the prospect cost for another player, like with Andrus and Chapman, or Ahmed and Marte. There is plenty of precedent for such a move. Just last offseason Cleveland attached to to shed his contract. It happens all the time. The other thing the Blue Jays have going for them is catching depth, which is always a valuable trade chip. Kirk is highly regarded and is one of the top prospects in baseball. and are viable big leaguers too. Trading a catcher to addre s a need elsewhere on the roster is a smart move, and Kirk and Moreno are significant young players who would open a lot of doors. Put Moreno on the table and you'd have the D