The Toronto Blue Jays have yet to make a major move in the offseason, but that could change if they target one of MLB’s top pitchers in free agency.

Blue Jays Could Surge with Corbin Burnes Signing

Corbin Burnes, the former Baltimore Orioles ace, remains available, and the Blue Jays are a potential suitor. Last season, Toronto had three starting pitchers—Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, and Charlie Bassit—each of whom struck out 150 or more batters and posted sub-4.50 ERAs.

However, after trading 2021 All-Star Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros, the Blue Jays now have space to add another key arm to their rotation, potentially a marquee acquisition like Burnes.

Burnes, a California native, posted a stellar 2.92 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 2024, striking out 181 batters in 32 games while going 15-9. As the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner, he is one of the league’s top strikeout pitchers and one of the most efficient on the mound.

Blue Jays Have the Financial Flexibility for a Major Deal

Toronto has the financial room to sign Burnes to a significant contract. The team’s payroll for 2025 is projected to be $193.09 million, with only $136.89 million already committed, which means they likely won’t exceed $200 million even if they extend an offer to superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

A $250 million deal for Burnes over six or seven years would be a worthwhile investment, considering his skill set, his age (30), and his impact on the game, as evidenced by his 3.1 WAR in 2024.