The Toronto Blue Jays have been a team on the cusp of greatness for several years now . With a young core of talented players, they’ve shown flashes of brilliance. However, they have yet to consistently reach their full potential. The 2024 season concluded with another disappointing early exit from the playoffs. As a result, many fans and analysts are calling for a change in leadership. General Manager Ross Atkins is at the center of the storm.  

While Atkins will return for the 2025 season , his seat is undoubtedly hot. Should the Blue Jays fail to meet expectations yet again, a change at the GM position could be imminent. But who are the potential candidates to take over the reins? This in-depth blog post explores the top candidates to replace Atkins. It analyzes their backgrounds, qualifications, and potential impact on the Blue Jays.  

Desired Qualities and Experience for the Next GM

Given the Blue Jays’ current situation, the ideal candidate for the GM position should possess a combination of the following qualities and experience:

• Strong Track Record of Success: This includes a proven ability to build winning teams. Success is achieved through player development, trades, or free agency acquisitions.
• Experience in a High-Pressure Market: The Toronto market is passionate and demanding. The next GM needs to handle the scrutiny and expectations that come with the job.
• Excellent Communication and Negotiation Skills: The ability to effectively communicate with players, agents, and other front office personnel is crucial. This skill is especially important during contract negotiations and trade discussions.
• Analytical Acumen: A strong understanding of modern baseball analytics and their application to player evaluation and strategic decision-making.
• Player Development Expertise: The Blue Jays need to replenish their farm system. They must develop young talent. Therefore, a GM with a proven track record in this area would be highly valuable.
• A Healthy Relationship with Analytics: The next GM needs to effectively utilize analytics in player development. They should also apply analytics in player acquisition and other areas. At the same time, it is important to value traditional scouting and player development. This balance is crucial for success in modern baseball.  

Recent Performance and Challenges of the Toronto Blue Jays

To understand the need for a potential change in leadership, it’s crucial to look at the Blue Jays’ recent performance. One must also consider the challenges they face. While the team has shown promise, they cannot consistently contend for a championship. This has led to growing frustration among fans. There are calls for a change in the front office.  

The Blue Jays have made the playoffs in three of the last five years. They secured back-to-back Wild Card berths in 2022 and 2023. They haven’t advanced past the ALCS since 2016. Their recent postseason performances have been underwhelming. They experienced consecutive Wild Card series sweeps in 2020, 2022, and 2023.  

Several factors have contributed to these struggles. Injuries have plagued the team, with key players like Bo Bichette and Alek Manoah missing significant time in 2024. Inconsistent offensive production has also been an issue, with the team ranking 23rd in runs scored in 2024. Additionally, the bullpen has been a major weakness, finishing with a 4.82 ERA in 2024, ranking 29th in the league.  

The front office is led by Atkins and Mark Shapiro. It has also faced criticism for its inability to land top free agents. This is despite having significant financial resources. This was evident in their failed pursuit of Juan Soto, who ultimately signed with the New York Mets. The team attempted to address the need at third base. Their efforts were further complicated by an unsuccessful attempt to acquire Alex Bregman. He chose to sign with the Boston Red Sox.  

Furthermore, Atkins has faced challenges in extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s contract. Guerrero, the face of the franchise, has publicly expressed his desire to stay in Toronto. However, the two sides have yet to agree on a long-term deal. This situation has created uncertainty and potential instability within the team, adding to the pressure on Atkins.  

Another challenge facing the Blue Jays is a surplus of infielders. This creates a logjam on the roster and limits opportunities for younger players. The next GM will need to find a way to address this issue. This could be done through trades. Another option is finding creative ways to utilize the team’s depth.  

Current Front Office Structure

The Blue Jays’ front office is led by Mark Shapiro, President & CEO. Ross Atkins serves as Executive Vice President, Baseball Operations & General Manager. Other key personnel include Tony Lacava, Senior Vice President, Player Personnel. Andrew Tinnish is the Vice President, International Scouting & Baseball Operations. This structure provides a hierarchical system of decision-making, with Atkins ultimately responsible for the team’s on-field performance and roster construction.  

Potential Replacements for Ross Atkins

Based on our analysis, here are some potential candidates who could be considered as replacements for Ross Atkins:

1. James Click

• Brief Bio: Click served as the GM of the Houston Astros from 2020 to 2022. He led them to a World Series title in 2022. Before joining the Houston Astros, he spent 15 years with the Tampa Bay Rays. During his time there, he rose to the position of vice president of baseball operations. He currently serves as the Blue Jays’ vice president of baseball strategy. Interestingly, some have suggested that Click could be considered as an internal replacement option for Atkins.  
• Qualifications: Click has a wealth of experience in baseball operations. He has worked in two of the most successful and analytically-driven organizations in the league. He has a proven track record of building winning teams and navigating complex roster decisions.
• Pros: Click’s experience with the Astros and Rays makes him a strong candidate. He understands how to build a winning culture and utilize analytics effectively. His familiarity with the Blue Jays organization is also a plus.  
• Cons: Click’s exact role and influence within the Blue Jays’ front office is unclear. There are questions about his ability to operate independently and make significant changes to the organization.  

2. Chaim Bloom

• Brief Bio: Bloom served as the Chief Baseball Officer for the Boston Red Sox from 2020 to 2023. He previously worked for the Tampa Bay Rays for 15 years. He rose to the position of Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations. He currently works as an advisor to the president of baseball operations for the St. Louis Cardinals.  
• Qualifications: Bloom has a strong background in player development and a reputation for finding undervalued talent. He has experience working in both large and small markets.
• Pros: Bloom’s experience with the Rays and Red Sox gives him a diverse perspective on roster construction and organizational management. He has a proven ability to build strong farm systems and make shrewd trades.  
• Cons: Bloom’s tenure with the Red Sox included some controversial decisions. His tenure ended with his firing in September 2023. The Red Sox finished last in the AL East in 2020 and 2022. However, they were not in last place when Bloom was dismissed. There are concerns about his ability to manage a large payroll and handle the pressure of a demanding market.

3. Alex Slater

• Brief Bio: Slater is the Vice President and Assistant General Manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has been with the Dodgers for 11 seasons. He played a key role in their success over the past decade.  
• Qualifications: Slater has extensive experience in player personnel, roster management, and contract negotiations. He has worked closely with Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. Andrew Friedman is widely regarded as one of the best in the business.
• Pros: Slater has a deep understanding of how to build a championship-caliber team. He has experience working in a high-pressure market and managing a large payroll. He has a strong track record in player evaluation and scouting.  
• Cons: Slater has never been a GM before, so there are questions about his ability to lead an organization. He might be reluctant to leave the Dodgers. He has a secure position there. He also has a proven track record of success.

Conclusion: Who is the Best Fit?

Choosing the best fit for the Blue Jays’ GM position is a complex decision with no easy answer. Each of the candidates discussed above brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table. Ultimately, the decision will likely come down to factors such as:

• Organizational Philosophy: Does the team prioritize player development, free agency, or a combination of both?
• Leadership Style: Do they prefer a collaborative leader or someone who takes a more authoritative approach?
• Risk Tolerance: Are they willing to make bold moves and take risks, or do they prefer a more conservative approach?

Furthermore, the new MLB rules, including the pitch clock, will significantly impact the GM’s role. Restrictions on defensive shifts will also play a crucial part. The next GM will need to adapt to these changes and understand how they affect player evaluation and roster construction.  

Based on the available information, Alex Slater appears to be the most promising candidate. He has experience with the Dodgers. He has a strong track record in player evaluation. He understands how to build a winning culture. Together, these qualities make him a compelling choice. However, his lack of GM experience is a potential concern.

James Click is another strong contender. He has experience with the Astros and Rays. He is also familiar with the Blue Jays organization. However, his ability to make significant changes to the team remains to be seen.

Chaim Bloom has the potential to be a successful GM. However, his controversial tenure with the Red Sox raises some red flags. He may be better suited for a smaller market with less pressure.

It’s also important to consider the potential conflict between Atkins’ conservative approach and the need for bolder moves. Improving the team requires bolder actions. The Blue Jays may need a GM willing to take more risks. This person must be ready to make significant changes to the roster to achieve their championship aspirations.  

In conclusion, the Blue Jays need a GM who can address the team’s current challenges. The GM should build a sustainable winning culture. It is important to maximize the potential of their talented roster. Each candidate has their strengths. However, Alex Slater stands out because of his experience with a consistently successful organization like the Dodgers. He is the ideal candidate to lead the Blue Jays. He understands player development, analytics, and roster construction. He also has experience in a high-pressure market. These factors suggest he has the tools to build a championship contender in Toronto. Some might be concerned about his lack of experience as a GM. However, working under Andrew Friedman has likely prepared him for the challenges of the role. The Blue Jays need a fresh perspective. They require a leader who can make bold decisions. Slater seems to be the best fit for that role.