Blue Jays rumors: Toronto will be aggressive this winter

The Toronto Blue Jays plan on shopping aggressively this winter via the free agent and trade markets, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:

The good news is the Jays seem to understand what they’re missing. They plan to shop aggressively this offseason, looking for solutions at second, in left field and most of all in their starting rotation.

Toronto’s current second baseman Kelly Johnson is a free agent-to-be, and the Blue Jays are "unlikely" to re-sign him, according to Rosenthal. They have a young starting rotation and could look to add a veteran piece via free agency or through trade using their bountiful minor league system.

Rosenthal adds that current Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter would be "perfect" if he becomes available this winter. Minnesota Twins slugger Josh Willingham would also "make sense," according to Rosenthal, but it doesn’t appear he’ll be shopped.

While Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos spent the summer acquiring bullpen arms, Rosenthal believes he’ll be in position to "make much bigger moves" this winter. He expects the club to use its farm system and lack of bad contracts to make a splash on the free agent and trade markets.