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What's next for the Blue Jays: Possible catcher, bullpen targets

Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Following a period of inactivity, the Toronto Blue Jays' front office salvaged their offseason by bringing back a storied vet that should help them remain competitive in 2017.

The team's decision to reunite with Jose Bautista not only appeals to most fans, but fills a significant hole in the Blue Jays' outfield - which may be set heading into 2017 - as well as a lineup that needed a boost after losing Edwin Encarnacion. Although Bautista's return helps the Blue Jays significantly, the club still needs a backup catcher and has multiple holes to fill in the bullpen.

Here are targets the Blue Jays could consider heading into the season:

C, Dioner Navarro

The chatter surrounding the Blue Jays possibly bringing back Michael Saunders and Bautista has overshadowed another familiar face still available in free agency. Navarro has yet to sign, and with there being limited opportunities available for free-agent catchers, the Blue Jays make a ton of sense. Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey is gone, which meant the end for Josh Thole, so the Blue Jays are now free to pursue a reliable backup to spell Russell Martin. Navarro has a good relationship with many of the Blue Jays' starters - particularly Marco Estrada - so he could be the backup the team needs and would come cheap.

C, Kurt Suzuki

Suzuki's market has been quiet this offseason, and that could be good news for the Blue Jays. Suzuki is a reliable backup, and while his defense won't blow anyone away, he's appeared in over 400 games behind the plate since 2013. The 33-year-old's most productive days as a starter are behind him but he's combined to hit a respectable .263/.316/.364 with 16 home runs and 160 RBIs the past three years with the Minnesota Twins.

C, Hank Conger

Conger's career as a journeyman backup is surprising since he's still only 28 years old but has played for three organizations. Conger is highly regarded for his elite pitch framing and could further pique the Blue Jays' interest considering he's a rare switch-hitting catcher. His offense still leaves much to be desired (career .221/.294/.366) but he makes up for it with his solid clubhouse presence and skills behind the dish - just don't expect him to throw out many baserunners.

Internal option: C, Reese McGuire

Ranked as the Blue Jays' No. 4 prospect by MLB.com, McGuire's road to the big leagues should be a short one. The defensive-minded 21-year-old was acquired from Pittsburgh last season as part of the Francisco Liriano/Drew Hutchison deal and is highly regarded for his game-calling and strong arm. There's still room for development in regards to his offense, but if McGuire gets off to a good start in the minors, he could find his way as the team's backup sooner rather than later.

Bullpen targets

LHP, Boone Logan

Despite seeing his name surface in trade rumors at the deadline last season, Logan remained a member of the Colorado Rockies. He's surprisingly still available after a fairly productive season out of the bullpen. His splits last season were interesting as the left-hander posted better numbers pitching in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field (2.35 ERA in 33 home appearances compared to 5.01 on the road) but was elite facing left-handed batters, limiting them to .142/.222/.255 all year. The Blue Jays have been interested in Logan dating back to the trade deadline and lack a left-handed specialist, so watch out for him.

LHP, Jerry Blevins

Much like Logan, the 33-year-old Blevins posted unusual stats last season as the veteran reliever fared better against right-handed hitters (.182/.266/.345 compared to .255/.313/.324 against left-handers). Blevins is coming off a very good season altogether, however, posting a 2.79 ERA with the New York Mets in 73 games with a career high 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings. He's also received interest from the Blue Jays this offseason.

LHP, Tony Watson (trade)

Watson is one of the most intriguing names that could be made available through trade, something that should get the attention of Toronto's front office. Watson is currently an unsigned arbitration player, and the 31-year-old filed a $6-million salary request for next season. Rumors have begun to circulate that the Pirates could part with Watson, and the left-hander would slot in admirably with the Blue Jays. Since 2013, Watson has posted an impressive 2.22 ERA, a 0.97 WHIP, and a combined WAR of 7.7.

Internal option: RHP, Chris Smith

The relatively unknown Smith has been one of the Blue Jays' best relievers in the minors the past several seasons and his time in the majors could finally come next season. Pitching in Double- and Triple-A last year, Smith combined for a 1.93 ERA in 47 games, including 15 saves. With a strong spring, the 28-year-old seems poised to crack the major-league roster, and could help stabilize a Blue Jays bullpen without the front office spending money or dealing assets.

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