Few teams face more pressure and scrutiny this winter than the Toronto Blue Jays.
After finishing last in 2024, the vultures are circling. Another disappointing season could mean the departure of superstar first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. through free agency, unless the Blue Jays opt to trade him beforehand.
If the Blue Jays want to keep Guerrero for the long haul, they have a lot of work ahead of them. The roster is aging, becoming more expensive, and there are still significant gaps to address.
One key area that needs attention is the bullpen, as the Blue Jays currently have no clear frontrunner for the closer role. This could change if they sign one of the All-Star relievers still available, like former Phillies closer Carlos Estévez.
Content creator Robbie Hyde predicted on Monday in a YouTube video that the Blue Jays would sign Estévez, easing one of their major concerns.
“Yes, the Blue Jays have struggled to land free agents, but bringing in someone like Estévez, who’s been solid in recent years, should be within reach, especially since he doesn’t have a long track record of elite performance,” Hyde said.
It would be somewhat ironic if the Blue Jays added Estévez after the Phillies acquired their former closer, Jordan Romano, following his non-tender. Based on 2024 performance, the Blue Jays would likely come out ahead in that comparison.
Estévez is projected to sign a three-year, $42 million contract, according to Spotrac’s Market Value tool. This is a reasonable price for a 32-year-old who posted a 2.45 ERA in 55 innings last season, even if he declines a bit toward the end of the deal.
The Blue Jays aren’t focused on the long term right now. To retain Guerrero for the future, they must build a competitive roster for 2025, and adding a reliable closer like Estévez is a key part of that strategy.