The Toronto Blue Jays are gearing up for a costly offseason this winter after underperforming in 2024. At the trade deadline, they made a savvy decision by trading away their expiring contracts while retaining players signed for 2025.
As the offseason approaches, rumors are swirling that the team plans to make a significant push in free agency, with Juan Soto as their top target. While Toronto is poised to enter a fierce bidding war for the superstar outfielder, it’s likely that either the Mets or Yankees will ultimately acquire him.
Assuming the Blue Jays miss out on Soto, let’s explore some solid backup options for the front office this winter.
3. OF Anthony Santander
The Blue Jays will need to acquire an outfielder, specifically one with a strong offensive presence. In 2024, none of their outfielders managed to play more than 50 games while posting a batting average over .230 or an OPS+ above 100. Their outfield performance was lackluster, led by the overpaid George Springer.
One potential target is Anthony Santander, the switch-hitting outfielder from the Baltimore Orioles, who is set to become a free agent this winter. At 29, Santander had a solid season, posting a .235/.308/.506 line with 44 home runs and an OPS+ of 134. He also performed exceptionally well against the Blue Jays in 2024, batting .302/.339/.717 with six home runs in 13 games.
Though it may be challenging to pry him from the Orioles—who are also looking to re-sign Corbin Burnes and others—acquiring Santander would provide the Blue Jays with a significant offensive asset while also weakening a division rival by taking away one of their top power hitters.
2. OF/1B Cody Bellinger
If the Blue Jays are in the market for an outfield bat, Cody Bellinger of the Chicago Cubs could be an excellent option. Bellinger, who can also play first base, offers versatility that would allow the Blue Jays to rotate him among the outfield, first base, and designated hitter positions. This flexibility would enable Vlad Guerrero Jr. to alternate between first and third base while also serving as the DH.
Bellinger, 29, had a solid season, batting .266/.325/.426 for the Cubs, but his standout year came in 2023 when he posted a .307/.356/.525 line with 26 home runs and 29 doubles, earning a Silver Slugger award. He has a player option this season that he is expected to decline, entering free agency instead. The Cubs will likely be aggressive in their attempts to re-sign him, following their strategy from last offseason.
This winter, the demand for Bellinger is expected to rise, and the Blue Jays should be among the teams vying for his services.
1. OF Teoscar Hernandez
While there are numerous free-agent options that could fit the Blue Jays’ needs, a reunion with Teoscar Hernandez stands out as the most logical choice for the team, the fans, and Hernandez himself.
Hernandez spent the first six seasons of his MLB career with the Blue Jays before being traded to the Mariners prior to the 2023 season. After a slightly disappointing year with Seattle, he signed a one-year “prove-it” deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2024, Hernandez hit .272/.339/.501 with 33 home runs and 32 doubles.
The Dodgers have yet to engage in contract discussions with Hernandez, leaving all 30 teams in contention for him this offseason. Given his previous success with the Blue Jays and the affection fans have for him, bringing Hernandez back could be a strategic move for Ross Atkins and the Blue Jays as they aim for a postseason push in 2025.