The Blue Jays’ offseason has faced challenges, missing out on key players like Shohei Ohtani while division rivals, especially the Yankees, have strengthened their rosters. Last year, the Jays were considered favorites for the AL East, but this year’s lack of upgrades may result in a lower projection, possibly as low as fourth place.

Despite the current lineup’s potential, a playoff spot is not guaranteed. The Jays are still in the market for a impactful hitter, and the choice of a free agent could significantly impact their postseason chances.

Most of the top choices for the designated hitter position are still available, with Jorge Soler, Rhys Hoskins, J.D. Martinez, Joc Pederson, and Justin Turner among them.

The Blue Jays have been linked to all five players, and while there hasn’t been a rush to finalize deals, the timeline is expected to accelerate as spring training approaches on Feb. 15. General Manager Ross Atkins noted the positive aspect of the slow market, stating that, from Toronto’s perspective, patience can be advantageous, given their strong team, ownership support, and agility.

Typically, with non-premium free agents, each player on the list comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The inherent risk is why these players are likely available on relatively short-term deals. Signing any of these hitters is unlikely to have long-term implications for the organization, yet their values could vary significantly in 2024.