Ross Atkins: Master of the long game.
Has Ross Atkins Played Us All?
After 14 months of very little movement, Ross Atkins has made several key additions this offseason, bringing in Jeff Hoffman, Anthony Santander, and now Christian Bethancourt. The team is still in on other free agents, including Pete Alonso and Max Scherzer. It begs the question: is Ross Atkins the master of the long game?
In an era where many seek instant gratification, Atkins' patience and ability to weather criticism have finally paid off-most notably with the signing of Anthony Santander to a five-year contract.. It's a move that made sense from the start.
And yet, while there's still no Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contract extension, don't count Atkins out just yet. It wouldn't be surprising if he gets it done before Spring Training begins.
Atkins' decision to stay principled and disciplined over the past year and a half now makes more sense in a broader context. The team was strong in 2023 and didn't need much change. Plus, with a corporation rather than an individual owner behind him, Atkins has had to be more strategic. Rogers isn't going to act impulsively or make rash decisions like, say, Steve Cohen with the Mets.
If Atkins can land more high-profile free agents, it will solidify his reputation as the master of the long game and prove wrong the many fans who believe he's the worst GM in franchise history (he isn't, and that opinion is far off base).
Ross Atkins has another year left on his contract. The Blue Jays have a winning record under his leadership. If they can find success in the playoffs, expect him to stick around for a while. After all, he's all about the long game.
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