Ross Atkins is the man behind the helm for the Toronto Blue Jays, practically leading his team ahead of their division rival, the Boston Red Sox.
Just to give you some perspective, the Red Sox narrowly, I mean just narrowly, took a playoff spot away from the Blue Jays during the 2021 season. Both teams were rock solid playing against each other, making for an exciting rivalry. But since the 2021 season, the two teams are not even close in terms of playing standards.
Atkins took a young core of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, plus many others and added key all-star and veteran pieces throughout free agency and the season. On the other hand, Chaim Bloom led the Red Sox from a postseason contender to a struggling team contending for a top draft pick.
Atkins made it his goal after the disappointing end to the 2021 MLB season for the Toronto Blue Jays, where the team failed to make the playoffs. The Blue Jays' GM made bold moves in the past offseason, acquiring Kevin Gausman and Matt Chapman, among the top names. The Jays added key pieces that solidified their roster while filling in key needs and depth. For example, during the trade deadline the Jays acquired Zach Pop and Anthony Bass, for additional pitching depth.
In Boston, the only significant move of the past offseason was the acquisition of Trevor Story. Of course, Story is a great baseball player, but Bloom wasn't able to acquire the main achilles heel in the Red Sox organization, relief pitching.
So we are now sitting near the conclusion of the 2022 MLB season. Ross Atkins and his Blue Jays team are in contention for a playoff spot, while Chaim Bloom and Boston are struggling just to stay over .500.