5 things to watch as Blue Jays' focus abruptly shifts to next season

The post-season ended shortly after it began for the Toronto Blue Jays. The Seattle Mariners shut out the Blue Jays in Game 1 last Friday and came back from a seven-run deficit in a 10-9 victory a day later to complete a two-game sweep.

The wild-card series exit has forced Toronto's team brass to shift focus to the off-season and 2023 campaign. Here's a look at five things to watch as the Blue Jays aim to make improvements for next year.

The unpredictable nature of a short best-of-three series is a challenge for all teams in the wild-card mix.

The top two division winners are rewarded with first-round byes and can rest a little easier knowing they have home-field advantage in a longer best-of-five set.

Winning the East Division and securing a top-two finish in the American League will be a main goal for the Blue Jays in 2023. The wild-card round has not been kind with two sweeps in the last three years.

Pitching depth will need to be addressed to have a decent chance at a division crown. A left-handed bat or two would also help.

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The front end of Toronto's starting rotation is one of the best in the big leagues. The back end needs work if the Blue Jays are going to contend.

Alek Manoah has emerged as an ace of the staff and Kevin Gausman delivered in his first season with the team.

Pending free agent Ross Stripling was reliable but Jose Berrios was inconsistent and Yusei Kikuchi landed in the bullpen. Mitch White struggled mightily and Hyun-Jin Ryu may not be ready to play next season after elbow surgery.

Even if Stripling were to return, at least one more starter is needed. A relief crew that has been middle of the pack over the last couple years also needs attention.

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