Jays front office looks to 2018 but John Gibbons still has eye on this season
TORONTO — Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins may be looking to next season but manager John Gibbons is still focused on 2017.
Speaking to reporters Monday, a week ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, Atkins acknowledged that the window for a third straight playoff appearance was getting smaller. His interest is acquiring young, controllable talent to help the team next season.
Asked what he took from that message, Gibbons offered little.
“That’s not my department,” he said prior to Tuesday’s game against Oakland. “All I know is the plan is we want to put a good team on the field next year. I’m worried about this year. This year’s not over yet.