The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off a disappointing season, finishing last in the AL East with a 74-88 record. General Manager Ross Atkins has long envisioned leading a young core, featuring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, to the postseason. However, with just one year remaining on their contracts, the team has yet to progress past the Wild Card round. Now, Atkins is determined to make up for the past six years in 2025.

Atkins is aggressively pursuing Juan Soto, a player who could dramatically change the franchise’s trajectory. However, Mets owner Steve Cohen appears ready to outbid all competitors for the star outfielder, backed by his considerable financial resources. MLB insiders Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich report that the Blue Jays are considered longshots to acquire Soto.

This might not necessarily be a setback. With the savings from not landing Soto, Atkins could pursue multiple players, strengthening the team in several areas. After all, having several solid players could be more beneficial than one superstar—though that argument becomes less clear when the superstar in question is Soto. However, there are still some impressive names available on the market. So, who could Atkins target to bolster the Blue Jays’ roster?

4. Alec Bohm
Alec Bohm is one player the Phillies appear willing to trade. This past season, he had another solid performance, posting a slash line of .280/.332/.448/.779 with 15 home runs. Over his career, Bohm has maintained a .277 batting average, a .327 on-base percentage, and consistently delivers solid production each year. So, why would the Phillies consider moving him?

Reports suggest that Bohm’s behavior during slumps has been a concern. Known for acting out during tough stretches—something every player faces from time to time—his reactions have apparently frustrated some teammates in the dugout. If the Blue Jays are willing to tolerate his occasional outbursts or if Bohm can mature in handling adversity, he would be a strong addition to their lineup. He’d be a clear upgrade over their current third-base options.

While there were some concerns about his defense, Bohm has made significant strides at third base. If necessary, Toronto could shift him to first, where he’s a more reliable defender. However, that might push him to a DH role since Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the primary first baseman. Though Bohm wouldn’t solve all of Toronto’s issues, he could be a valuable boost to their batting order. He’s set to make $8.1 million next season and will be a free agent after 2026.

3. Teoscar Hernandez
The Blue Jays’ outfield has been one of their biggest struggles, with overall production from that position ranking among the league’s worst. However, if we look back a couple of years, the story was quite different—thanks largely to Teoscar Hernandez.

Hernandez just completed an impressive season, highlighted by winning the Home Run Derby, earning his third Silver Slugger, capturing a World Series title, setting a career-high in home runs, and even receiving some MVP votes. He posted a solid slash line of .272/.339/.501/.840 with 33 home runs. A consistent presence in the Toronto lineup, Hernandez has more recently helped keep the Dodgers’ offense afloat during key injuries and absences.

In the postseason, Hernandez has demonstrated his value as well. The 32-year-old slugger boasts a postseason on-base percentage of .341, with five home runs, often delivering in crucial moments. Even when his batting average dips, he continues to get on base and contribute. Currently a free agent, Hernandez is projected to earn over $71 million, according to Spotrac.

2. Luis Robert Jr.
Shifting back to the outfield, one elite player who should be high on the offseason market after Soto is Luis Robert Jr. A potential five-tool player, Robert has the talent to excel in all aspects of the game. However, his career has been marred by injuries, limiting his opportunity to fully showcase his abilities.

In another season plagued by injuries, Robert posted a slash line of .224/.278/.379 with 14 home runs. However, 2023 offered a glimpse of his full potential. The 27-year-old centerfielder belted 38 home runs while batting .264. His speed is also a key asset; in a shortened season, he stole 23 bases in 29 attempts. If those stats aren’t convincing enough, Robert also hit .338 in 275 at-bats in 2021, showing he can be a consistent hitter.

Defensively, Robert is an elite centerfielder, arguably the best in the game. The major concern, however, is his health. Given his track record of just one full season in the past five years, he may come at a discounted price.

Despite this, the White Sox have set a high asking price for a trade. While the Blue Jays don’t have an abundance of top-tier prospects, they could potentially trade from their major league roster and free up some salary space in the process. Though a risky option, Robert represents the best non-Soto acquisition available this offseason. He’s owed $15 million in 2025, with two club options for $20 million in the following two years, and will be a free agent after the 2028 season.

1. Corbin Burnes
If the Blue Jays save their money from missing out on Soto, targeting a star pitcher could be a wise move. This offseason, there is no better option than Corbin Burnes. Burnes had an outstanding 2023 season, posting a 2.92 ERA over 194.1 innings. He has been a consistent Cy Young contender for the past five years, winning the award in 2021 with a remarkable 2.43 ERA.

In 2022, Burnes led the National League in strikeouts with 243. While his strikeout rate dropped in 2023, partly due to pitching more innings than recording strikeouts, this isn’t a major concern. Burnes’ ERA in 2024 was even slightly better than in 2022, and it’s reasonable to expect he will regain his high strikeout numbers moving forward.