For the second consecutive offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays are aiming to make big moves in the high-end market.
However, the question is whether they’ll be able to make it happen.
Although it’s early in the MLB offseason, the Blue Jays are showing they have the financial resources to make a splash and are reportedly involved in various pursuits. This sets a positive tone as they enter the winter following the 2024 season.
Toronto is reportedly one of several teams that have met with star outfielder Juan Soto and his agent, Scott Boras. While it’s encouraging that the Blue Jays have had discussions with Soto’s camp, it still feels like a long shot that he’ll choose Toronto over the New York Yankees or Mets.
If the Blue Jays are unable to land Soto, here’s what they should consider doing next:
Make Guerrero an offer he can’t refuse
You have to imagine that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is closely watching the Blue Jays’ pursuit of Juan Soto and wondering if the club will allocate enough money for him as well.
Signing Guerrero to a long-term deal should be the team’s top priority, no matter what happens with Soto. Guerrero has repeatedly expressed his desire to spend his career in Toronto, and after earning his second All-MLB first-team selection, he’s on track to become one of the franchise’s most prolific hitters if he stays in Toronto for the long haul.
What kind of message does it send if the team is unwilling to invest in its own homegrown star?
It’s puzzling that the front office either seems to be keeping things under wraps or doesn’t fully acknowledge Guerrero as one of MLB’s elite offensive talents. Despite Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro recently calling Guerrero “an opportunity to be a generational player,” the comment felt odd and left room for doubt about how high the team values his potential.
Guerrero has one more year under team control before hitting free agency, and there’s no sign that the Blue Jays are close to a long-term deal. With Bo Bichette also nearing free agency in 2025, the club faces the possibility of losing both of its homegrown stars for nothing more than a compensatory draft pick.
That outcome is unacceptable and would be impossible to justify to the fans.
Guerrero has the talent to be the face of the franchise for at least the next decade. The Blue Jays must find a way to lock him up, as doing so could also help attract other top free agents to Toronto.
However, Guerrero will likely be the top free-agent position player next offseason, meaning it will take a substantial offer to keep him from testing the market.
Try to sign Santander, Adames
It’s uncertain whether the Blue Jays’ front office will get the green light from ownership to pursue aggressive spending if they miss out on Soto. Following the non-tender deadline, the team currently has about $40 million in available payroll before reaching the luxury-tax threshold. If they’re given approval to spend, targeting former Orioles slugger Anthony Santander and ex-Brewers shortstop Willy Adames would be a smart move. Both players are tied to draft-pick compensation but would offer immediate upgrades to the roster. Given the Blue Jays’ struggles with drafting and development, they shouldn’t be deterred from signing players who rejected qualifying offers.
Santander is coming off a career year with 44 home runs. While it’s unlikely he replicates that level of power, he should remain a consistent 30+ home run hitter for the next several seasons. Though his defense in right field is lacking, he could easily slide into a designated hitter role. In any case, he would significantly strengthen the Blue Jays’ lineup.
Adding Adames would also make sense for a couple of reasons. Initially, he could play third base while Bo Bichette is still with the team, given his strong arm. If Bichette departs in free agency or via trade, Adames could shift to shortstop. With a career 109 wRC+ and five seasons with over 3.0 fWAR in the past six years, Adames, who will be 29 during most of the 2025 season, should have several productive years left.
Bolster the starting rotation
The Blue Jays’ rotation looks solid heading into 2025 with Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, José Berríos, and 2024 breakout Bowden Francis all in place. However, Bassitt is only under contract for one more season, and Gausman is set to hit free agency after 2026. Berríos also has an opt-out after the 2026 season.
Additionally, injuries to Alek Manoah, Ricky Tiedemann, Brandon Barriera, and Landon Maroudis have left the Blue Jays with limited depth when it comes to major-league-ready starters. Any injury to a key pitcher in 2025 could put the team in a difficult spot.
There are several impact starting pitchers available on the free-agent market this offseason. Lefties Max Fried and Blake Snell, along with former NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, headline the class. The Blue Jays have a history of adding starting pitching through trades and free agency, especially as their homegrown pitchers have struggled to make the jump to the majors. Signing one of Fried, Snell, or Burnes would fit with general manager Ross Atkins’ usual approach.
For a less costly option, the Blue Jays could also look at pitchers like Walker Buehler, Shane Bieber, Jack Flaherty, or Nathan Eovaldi. These pitchers come with more risk and a lower ceiling but would be a more affordable way to strengthen the rotation if the team focuses its primary spending on upgrading the lineup.
Bring in late-inning relievers
The Blue Jays’ bullpen was one of the worst in the majors last season, and that depth took a further blow on Friday when the team non-tendered closer Jordan Romano.
Without significant improvements to the bullpen, Toronto will struggle to find success in 2025.
Historically, president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins have been hesitant to commit long-term to relievers. However, with job security beyond 2025 in question, now might be the time for a change in approach. Adding two of the following pitchers—Tanner Scott, Jeff Hoffman, Clay Holmes, or Carlos Estévez—could make a major difference in strengthening the bullpen for the crucial late innings.