Staff, IF set as Blue Jays seek OF, 1B for ’17

TORONTO — The Blue Jays are fresh off a pair of back-to-back appearances in the postseason, but with so much uncertainty surrounding the team, it will be up to the front office to make sure the winning doesn’t stop.

Toronto has 10 players who are eligible to become free agents this offseason, and two of those — Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista — have been the faces of the franchise for the past eight years. It’s possible that the end of an era is upon us, but whatever happens this winter, do not expect this situation to turn into a rebuild.

The first priority is trying to re-sign either Encarnacion or Bautista, but even if that happens, there are plenty of holes elsewhere on the roster that need to be fixed. Here’s a closer look at the challenges facing general manager Ross Atkins.

• Arms lift Blue Jays in strong 2016 campaign

Arbitration-eligible: IF Darwin Barney, OF Ezequiel Carrera, C Josh Thole and LHP Aaron Loup.

Free agents: OF Bautista, 1B/DH Encarnacion, C Dioner Navarro, OF Michael Saunders, RHP Joaquin Benoit, LHP Brett Cecil, RHP R.A. Dickey, RHP Scott Feldman, RHP Gavin Floyd and RHP Jason Grilli ($3 million club option).

Rotation: Toronto’s starting rotation was a big part of its success in 2016, and there’s a good chance all of the main contributors will be back next season. Marco Estrada and Francisco Liriano have one year remaining on their deals, J.A. Happ is signed for another two and Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman are still not eligible for arbitration. The only subtraction here will be Dickey, who is expected to leave via free agency following four years with the Blue Jays. Right-hander Joe Biagini is expected to transition to the rotation, but more depth options will be required.

Bullpen: There had been some talk over the last couple of years about Roberto Osuna eventually moving into the starting rotation, but that’s simply not going to happen. Osuna has been vocal about his desire to remain a closer, and Atkins recently confirmed that the hard-throwing reliever will remain in his current role next season. Grilli also will be back after Toronto picks up his $3 million option prior to the start of free agency, but outside of those two, expect plenty of changes here. …

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