This offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays find themselves struggling in the market once again, with another disappointing dry spell. Much like their failed pursuit of Shohei Ohtani during the last round of free agent bidding, they’ve missed out on all their top targets. Juan Soto now wears a Mets jersey, Teoscar Hernandez is back in Los Angeles, and Corbin Burnes is headed to Arizona, leaving the Blue Jays with dwindling options to strengthen their roster for 2025. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette likely hitting free agency next offseason, the team’s chances of maintaining success after their potential departures are becoming more difficult. However, all hope is not lost—there’s still one free agent bat who could provide the offensive spark Toronto desperately needs if he can return to form.
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Pete Alonso Could Be The Answer for Toronto’s Power Needs
MLB insider Mark Feinsand believes the Blue Jays might make a move for Pete Alonso, noting that while sources expect the Mets to re-sign him, the Giants and Blue Jays have both been linked to the slugger this offseason. Feinsand mentioned this possibility in his MLB.com column discussing the top free agents:
“Industry sources believe the Mets will ultimately re-sign Alonso … Two other clubs to watch are the Giants and Blue Jays, each of whom has been connected to Alonso at some point this offseason … for Toronto, the addition of Alonso would either shift Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to third base or create a first base/DH combo between the two sluggers.”
After missing out on Soto and Burnes, the Jays have the financial resources to land Alonso. The “Polar Bear” has been one of the top home run hitters since debuting in 2019, although he’s yet to replicate the 53-home run season that broke Aaron Judge’s rookie record in 2017. Nevertheless, Alonso’s power is undeniable, having hit 40+ homers in three separate seasons, including 16 in the shortened 2020 season—equivalent to over 40 in a full year.
In 2024, Alonso had his worst season to date, posting a slash line of .240/.329/.459/.788 with 34 home runs, which was a career-low (excluding 2020). While his 34 homers fall short of his usual output, they still surpass the 30 home runs Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit in 2024, leading the Blue Jays’ offense by a considerable margin. The main concern with Alonso is his recent decline. At 30, he still has years left in his career, but his downward trend raises concerns about the risk of a long-term deal.
If the Blue Jays can make a postseason appearance, Alonso could be the missing piece. His .429 postseason on-base percentage and five home runs in 54 at-bats across four playoff series make him a formidable presence in October. But the question remains: Can the Blue Jays make it that far? If Alonso’s addition is the key to pushing them into postseason contention, he’ll need to return to his previous elite form. Regardless of whether he fully regains his past success, having Alonso’s power in the lineup, paired with Guerrero and Bichette, would significantly enhance their chances next season.