A couple of week in the past, the Blue Jays appeared like they have been your complete league’s laughing inventory. They’d not made a transaction in over a month. They’d frequently been runner-ups to high-prestige gamers like Corbin Burnes, Teoscar Hernandez, and Juan Soto. And to prime all of it off, stories have been operating rampant of a $100M+ hole in contract negotiations between themselves and their younger star first baseman. Reality be informed, this stain has not essentially washed itself away, however issues have lightened up very marginally with one transfer. Nonetheless, there’s nonetheless loads of work to be carried out if the Jays need to even dream of being aggressive within the AL East this season. Listed here are what this fan feels must be the highest priorities for the staff going into 2025 and past.
Lock up Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Daring take, proper? Imagine it or not, there was a cut-off date final season the place it was rightfully questionable to supply an extension to Vladdy. After his monstrous 2021 marketing campaign, the place he completed 2nd in MVP voting (behind, , most likely the best ever to play the sport), Guerrero Jr had a pair of underwhelming seasons. Whereas mashing for 48 HRs and 111 RBIs in 2021, with a .311/.401/.601 slashline for a 1.002 OPS and accruing a 6.7 WAR for the season, Guerrero proceeded to common 29 HRs, 95.5 RBIs, a .269/.342/.462 slash for an OPS of .803, and a WAR of three.0 for the following two seasons. Whereas no seasons to sneeze at by any means, and certain a profession 12 months for a plethora of hitters, that may not be a stat line demanding a star-level contract extension. 2024 in the end turned a “show it” kind of 12 months for the 25-year-old. Luckily for him, Vladdy not solely stepped as much as the duty however frankly blew it out of the water. In 2024, Guerrero hit 30 HRs and 103 RBIs, slashing a .323/.396/.544 line for a .940 OPS and accruing 6.2 WAR, each his finest since his 2021 marketing campaign.
Sadly for the Jays, Guerrero was about the one factor that went proper in 2024, making him not solely stand out much more than ordinary, however seem as if he was stranded on an island, needing to be saved by extra aggressive groups. Guerrero has by no means been shy to confess on a number of events that he loves being a Blue Jay, and could be more than pleased to stick with the staff if they might have him. Nonetheless, because the path of the staff turns into an increasing number of unsure and with the monster contracts being given out to younger, celebrity gamers nowadays, staying might come at a hefty price ticket.
A report by Bob Nightengale appears to agree, as he reported that the Blue Jays and Guerrero have been about $100M+ off in negotiations. The staff provided a deal value $340M, whereas Guerrero is at present trying extra within the vary of $450M. Whereas that is probably how common negotiations can go, the place two sides submit what they want and ultimately do their finest to fulfill within the center, the longer these negotiations take, the extra they have an effect on the entire staff in quite a lot of methods. There have been constant rumblings that high-profile free brokers, significantly Corbin Burnes, have been hesitant to signal with the Blue Jays as a result of uncertainty of the staff’s future, as their finest two gamers in Guerrero and Bichette have been unsigned previous 2025. Mix this uncertainty with the dearth of high-end prospects arising the system in Toronto, and it actually solely results in one conclusion: signing Guerrero to an extension must be the #1 precedence above all for the Jays. It must be carried out promptly as properly, because it was reported that Guerrero was giving the group till Spring Coaching to barter and discover widespread floor. In any other case, he will probably be headed to free company as he reportedly needs to not negotiate mid-season.
In its entirety, whether or not or not Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is signed to an extension earlier than Spring Coaching may fully change the outlook for the present offseason and 2025 season forward for the Blue Jays, and if they really do want to be aggressive this season, locking down Vladdy would remedy a plethora of their issues and improve their possibilities in bringing in items to assist that trigger.
Proceed to repair up the bullpen
Most Blue Jays followers really feel that the primary precedence this offseason was for administration to signal an additional bat to offer some depth within the lineup, and rightfully so. Nonetheless, consider it or not, the bullpen was by far probably the most detrimental a part of the staff final season. Rating thirtieth in WAR final season, the Blue Jays bullpen accrued -3.0 WAR. For context, the Twenty ninth-place Colorado Rockies (who notably play in a really non-pitching pleasant setting) ended their season accruing 0.0 WAR. Fairly a large hole between the Twenty ninth and thirtieth, which places on a shining show of the work that must be carried out by administration to enhance for 2025. For some time, the boldness in these enhancements sunk deep, as fan favourite and revered nearer Jordan Romano was non-tendered early within the offseason. Administration primarily cited issues together with his elbow that led to the non-tender however nonetheless hoped to retain him for a less expensive price. Sadly, the Philadelphia Phillies have been greater than keen to herald Romano for a similar price the Jays weren’t.
From there, it has been as much as administration to attempt to reinvent the arm barn in numerous methods. Bringing again an previous and dependable good friend in Yimi Garcia for 2 years doesn’t damage within the slightest. Including Nick Sandlin in a cope with the Guardians helps as properly, as he might be a serviceable sixth or seventh-inning arm. The massive kahuna was their most up-to-date transaction: a 3-year cope with elite reliever Jeff Hoffman. A former Jays prospect himself, Hoffman’s tenure in Philadelphia as a reliever helped him discover his footing within the large leagues. In his 2 seasons as a Phillie, he posted consecutive ERAs under 2.5, 50 or extra innings pitched and 65 or extra strikeouts. In 2024 particularly, he took a bump in innings pitched from 52.1 in ‘23 to 66.1. This progress, together with the current success of pitchers like Seth Lugo, had many eyeing Hoffman as a possible beginning pitcher for them sooner or later. Nonetheless, because it ended up, the Blue Jays nabbed Hoffman and plan to make use of him primarily as a reliever in 2025.
But, in typical Blue Jays vogue, nothing is ever with out its problems. Shortly after his signing was introduced, it was reported that the Orioles and Hoffman had a deal in place, and a poor bodily citing his shoulder was what stored Hoffman from a 3-year, $40M deal. Nonetheless, it was later reported that regardless of the preliminary flagging, the Orioles nonetheless wished to supply Hoffman a contract, simply at a lesser price. Just lately, it was additionally reported that the Atlanta Braves just lately handed on a 5-year cope with Hoffman as properly, citing the identical bodily flags. Whereas in a vacuum, this might be very regarding for a staff that has been bitten by gamers with poor physicals earlier than (Kirby Yates in 2021 for instance), however maybe these groups have been much less comfy utilizing him as a starter for that price and time period with such bodily issues. Regardless, even when the physicals rear their ugly head for Hoffman as a Blue Jay, this was a deal they needed to signal. If Hoffman continues to be his just lately elite self, it fully adjustments the outlook for the Blue Jays bullpen in 2025. A bullpen lineup of Chad Inexperienced, Yimi Garcia, and Jeff Hoffman for the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings could be miles higher than their 2024 rendition.
The follow-up query then turns into: what else now? The reliever-free agent market has moved comparatively slowly, and plenty of nice choices stay accessible. The crown jewels of all of them would probably be Tanner Scott or Carlos Estevez, however maybe they might demand a price ticket that the Jays really feel could be pointless given the acquisition of Hoffman. Extra cost-efficient choices might be discovered within the likes of Kyle Finnegan, David Robertson, Jose Leclerc, or Dylan Floro. Extra closer-oriented choices come within the type of the aforementioned Kirby Yates, in addition to Kenley Jansen. Nonetheless, Yates could be very a lot a high-risk, high-reward choice, and Jansen could also be on the final legs of his profession. Greater than probably, Jays followers are in for names that they by no means knew existed as some key additions, however I doubt they’ll a lot care so long as they carry out properly.
Discover some power-heavy bats to enhance the lineup
That is the issue that followers have probably the most give attention to in Toronto. Basic Supervisor Ross Atkins’ dedication to protection and pitching previously two seasons got here at the price of the house run launching identification the Blue Jays had been properly regarded for in years previous. Ever since some controversial trades, corresponding to buying Daulton Varsho in change for Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Gabriel Moreno, the Jays have solely performed in 2 playoff video games, scoring only one run mixed. Followers are almost frothing on the mouth for somebody who can launch baseballs out of the ballpark persistently, not named Guerrero Jr. Whereas previous bets on free-agent hitters haven’t essentially labored out poorly in recent times, that’s precisely what they’ve been. Bets. In 2025, the Blue Jays require a positive factor in a robust bat that may shield Guerrero Jr. and Bichette. Whereas protection might win championships, you can’t win a title with none offense both. Maybe after two seasons of lackluster offensive performances, this offseason could be the one the place the entrance workplace would sacrifice some protection for some offensive manufacturing, proper?
Mistaken. Properly, a minimum of of their first transfer of the offseason. Buying shortstop/second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians is a transfer that had followers worrying that administration was merely tripling down on their defense-first strategy. Whereas Gimenez is considered one of, if not, the most effective defensive center infielder in baseball, his offensive output previously couple of seasons has been considerably under league common. His solely season with an OPS+ above 101 was his monster breakout marketing campaign in 2022 with a 141. Since then, it has been a staggering drop off, with a 96 OPS+ in 2023, adopted by an 82 in 2024. To make issues worse, one of many Blue Jays’ extra entertaining hitters in 2024, Spencer Horwitz, was going the opposite manner within the commerce. Whereas over time, this commerce started to make an increasing number of sense for the Jays from a long-term standpoint, it would nonetheless damage an increasing number of if nothing is finished to fill within the offensive gaps that gamers like Gimenez will greater than probably create within the lineup.
The important thing distinction between this offseason and the final is that it seems administration is making a concerted effort to herald complementary energy bats. Whereas Juan Soto was at all times going to be a pipe dream, there was important traction in talks with Teoscar Hernandez earlier than opting to return to the Dodgers. As of the writing of this text, the right piece of the puzzle could be outfielder Anthony Santander. A switch-hitting key cog in a lineup coming off of a career-high 44 HRs and 102 RBIs, Santander would give the Jays nice stability of their lineup, whereas additionally restoring that offensive bomb-launching identification as a powerhouse risk. As of current, it was heard that the Jays had made a 4-year, $90M supply to the Venezuelan, however nothing has come of that as of but. If Santander finally ends up elsewhere, there’s the thriller issue of Pete Alonso. The Polar Bear has at all times had a knack for hitting house runs, however whether or not it has been underwhelming performances in different areas of his offensive repertoire or only a distinction in valuations, Alonso stays accessible on the free agent market. Some would marvel if maybe a conditional one or two-year deal, much like those Blake Snell and Matt Chapman obtained final 12 months from the Giants, might be in play. Whereas it could be a little bit of a recreation of Tornado to search out the place everybody would match positionally, Alonso would little doubt assist the Blue Jays within the power-related classes on the very least. Alex Bregman additionally seems to be an accessible choice, nevertheless it feels as if his agent Scott Boras is unwilling to budge for something lower than a $200M, multi-year deal. If Bregman results in the identical camp as Alonso, I’m positive the Jays would haven’t any points with providing him a short-term deal, however probably nothing greater than that.
Within the grand scheme of issues, the Jays can obtain lots of inner offensive assist with a bounce-back season from Bo Bichette and breakout campaigns from Will Wagner, Orelvis Martinez, and Addison Barger. Nonetheless, as talked about beforehand, why go away it to probability? Discover somebody who is thought to launch baseballs persistently, and guarantee your self a minimum of some assure of offensive enchancment.
Discover a appropriate low-end beginning pitcher to enhance a well-off rotation
On the time of writing this text, the Blue Jays have been named one of many finalists by younger celebrity pitcher Roki Sasaki, together with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. Clearly, that may be a monumental acquisition if Toronto have been to tug it off. Nonetheless, if this free agent pursuit have been to finish up just like the earlier ones, maybe what would match the Jays finest is somebody who may regular the center of the rotation as a substitute. Whereas the beginning pitching market has not been gradual by any means, there can be found choices that might complement the Blue Jays’ rotation properly.
One identify that almost all are stunned continues to be accessible is Jack Flaherty. After struggling the previous couple of seasons, Flaherty discovered his type in Detroit for the Tigers in 2024. In 106.2 IP, Flaherty threw to a 2.95 ERA, a 0.956 WHIP, and 11.2 Ok/9. If he had stayed in Detroit for the rest of the season, he would have been on tempo to take care of these metrics, making them in the direction of the most effective of his profession. As soon as he was dealt to the Dodgers on the commerce deadline, the shine of this bounce-back season wore off a tad, posting a 3.58 ERA, 1.283 WHIP, and 9.9 Ok/9 in 55.1 IP. Whereas not performing the most effective, Flaherty was nonetheless a key half in serving to the Dodgers to their World Sequence victory. Nonetheless, it’s probably this down stretch that has lots of groups hesitant so as to add him together with his requested time period and cash. It was reported that Flaherty talked about he could be keen to take a shorter-term deal, and that’s the place the Blue Jays may pounce on some worth. With the dearth of long-term dedication concerned, and with the magic that pitching coach Pete Walker has proven he can work with struggling pitchers, there’s not a foul purpose I’ve heard to a minimum of think about bringing him aboard.
Properly, maybe one purpose might be money-related. If the entrance workplace would favor to be extra shrewd of their signings for beginning pitchers, many accessible choices may nonetheless match the invoice. Two of which the Jays are already linked to. British Columbia native Nick Pivetta has been a cult favourite of Jays followers for a few seasons. His versatility as each a productive choice as a starter and a reliever/opener makes him match for what the pitching employees wants. Positive, his ERA numbers don’t explode off the charts, however this was a pitcher who was provided the qualifying supply by his former staff, the Boston Pink Sox. There’s worth within the function Pivetta can play. If the Jays are on the lookout for a extra conventional choice, Jose Quintana is a reputation they’ve been linked to as properly. The 35-year-old isn’t any stranger to transferring across the league, having performed for 7 totally different groups all through his profession. Whereas not the flashiest of choices, Quintana is a steadying presence in a rotation. When his New York Mets opened the season with out their ace in Kodai Senga, Quintana stuffed in admirably as an opening-day starter and supplied high quality innings within the postseason on their approach to their NLCS run. That form of presence and consistency may pair up properly with what the Blue Jays want for his or her rotation. Chris Bassitt has been a reliant inning eater in his time in Toronto, and Quintana may deliver extra of that very same consistency and reliance going into 2025.
Briefly, the beginning rotation must be the least of the Blue Jays’ worries, however that also doesn’t imply that it shouldn’t be addressed. Up to now couple of seasons, the dearth of depth within the rotation ended up biting them down the road. If extra choices may be accessible for the Jays the additional they get into the season, the higher off they are going to be to navigate it into, ideally, a postseason collection.
