Shapiro: Blue Jays will have resources to add to roster in 'meaningful way'

The Toronto Blue Jays aren't planning on standing pat this offseason.

Team president Mark Shapiro said Wednesday the team expects to have an active winter and won't be restricted by tight budgets.

"The resources are going to be there to add in a meaningful way and we'll conduct this offseason much like last offseason," Shapiro told Sportsnet.

The Blue Jays made a somewhat surprising splurge last December when the club signed left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu to a four-year, $80-million contract.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic limiting revenue across the league - and ultimately forcing the Jays to play home games in Buffalo - Shapiro says team ownership isn't backing down from bolstering the roster after returning to the postseason this autumn.

"The reality of the pandemic clearly changes the dynamic of our revenues," he said. "However, there has been consistent support from our ownership (and) consistent encouragement that we continue to progress in our plan. That we continue to move forward.

"That was evident with Ryu. That was evident at the trade deadline in a very truncated season. ... Every indication has been very strongly that they expect us to continue to pursue where we need to add to our core and continue to pursue players this offseason."

Toronto was quite active on the trade front this summer. The team acquired pitchers Taijuan Walker, Robbie Ray, and Ross Stripling and infielder Jonathan Villar to help the club's playoff push. Stripling is the only one who won't be a free agent after the postseason.

It's unknown whether Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins will pursue one of the top free agents - or be successful in doing so - like J.T. Realmuto, Marcell Ozuna, Trevor Bauer, George Springer, or even reunite with Marcus Stroman. Additionally, the team could pursue a high-profile trade if the free-agent market dries up.