The Toronto Blue Jays opened the offseason with intent, rather than sitting and sulking. Aaron Rose is impressed.
The Game 7 loss still lingers, but rather than sit in it, the organization has used it as fuel. Toronto has moved with urgency and financial muscle, sending a clear message to the rest of the league. Their window is open right now, and they intend to keep it that way.
The first move came quickly. The Jays pounced on Dylan Cease, the top starting pitcher available. At 29, he has twice finished in the top four in Cy Young voting and has been one of the most durable, high strikeout arms in baseball over the last five years. Toronto then doubled down on pitching by signing Cody Ponce, a hard throwing righty coming off an MVP calibre season in Korea. Together, the two signings give the Jays one of the deepest and most imposing rotations in the American League.
It has been an excellent start to the winter. None of Toronto’s unsigned free agents have signed elsewhere, the roster is already stronger than it was a month ago, and the front office remains active on multiple fronts. But the work is not done. A perfect offseason is still out there, and the next decisions will determine whether the Jays reach it.
Bo Bichette or Kyle Tucker
The Blue Jays have been connected to both of the top hitters available, and the choice between them will shape the rest of their winter. Everyone in Toronto knows Bo Bichette. After seven years with the Jays, he is now a free agent and one of the most coveted players on the market. He is coming off a brilliant season, hitting .311 and very likely would have led the American League in hits for the third time if not for a late injury. Bichette is a fan favourite. He is a clubhouse favourite. And Bodog lists Toronto as the frontrunner to bring him back at -175.
But if the Jays want to go all in, the best player available is Kyle Tucker. Since 2020, Tucker has been one of the most complete hitters in baseball. He does not hit for average quite like Bichette, but he brings more power, a stronger on base profile, and enough speed to threaten 20 homers and 20 steals every season. He is a four time All Star, a left handed force, and a perfect complement to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the middle of the order. Bodog has the Jays as the favourite to land him at +110.
Neither player will come cheap. Toronto already has a strong offense, but adding Bichette or Tucker would elevate the lineup into one of the best in the league and push the Jays closer to another World Series run they believe is within reach.
A High Leverage Arm
Once the lineup is settled, the next priority is the bullpen. Jeff Hoffman had an up-and-down regular season before delivering a stellar playoff run that ended in heartbreak. He can close games next year, but the Jays would be at their best with Hoffman handling the eighth inning. To get there, they need to add another high leverage arm.
They are exploring that market now. Several top relievers have already signed, but premium options remain. Robert Suarez is the biggest name still available. The hard throwing righty led the National League in saves last season with San Diego and brings the late inning mentality Toronto values. Pete Fairbanks is another strong option. The Rays closer is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, and Bodog has Toronto as the favourite to land him at +140.
A trade remains possible too, especially if the Jays sign Tucker. That would create an outfield surplus and open the door to move a piece such as Nathan Lukes to address bullpen needs.
Beyond the top end of the market, Toronto also needs help against left handed hitters. It is clear the organization no longer trusts Brendon Little after a shaky postseason, and adding a reliable middle relief arm would give John Schneider more flexibility when the lineup turns over late in games.
Starting Pitching Depth
On paper, the Blue Jays have more starting pitchers than rotation spots. Cease, Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, Ponce, Jose Berrios and Eric Lauer all have a case to start games next season. Seven pitchers for five jobs can look like a logjam. It is not. It is exactly what the Jays need, especially with Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt unlikely to return.
Cease is durable, but his command can drift and his innings vary start to start. Gausman is still an ace, but he is nearly 35 and coming off a long postseason run. Toronto cannot afford to wear him down. Yesavage will be entering his rookie year. Ponce is returning to MLB for the first time since 2021. Lauer was excellent for the Jays last season, but his career track record is limited.
Then there is Bieber, whose health situation suddenly hangs over his readiness for Opening Day as he’s just a year removed from Tommy John surgery. And finally Berrios, who struggled badly, lost his rotation spot, and left the team late in the season. His contract virtually ensures he won’t be traded this offseason, but nothing can be guaranteed with him.
This is why depth matters. Let them compete. If everyone is healthy, the best five will emerge, and the others will help cover innings across a long season. It is not a problem. It is a luxury the Jays have rarely enjoyed.