The 2020 draft will be unusual for many reasons – the 5 round limit, the $20k cap on free-agent signings, etc. Do these unique factors – and the economic factors which caused them – create opportunities for Toronto?
They might. Particularly if the Jays were (as they appear to be) in a stronger financial position than many other teams, and willing to use some of that financial strength to their advantage.
So how might they do that?
First-round slippage
The Jays are picking 5th in the first round. Most forecasters believe that Spencer Torkelson and Austin Martin should go 1-2 in some order, followed (again, in some order) by Asa Lacy, Emerson Hancock, and Nick Gonzales.