The Toronto Blue Jays are in need of some major improvements after a disappointing 2024 season.
Though expectations were lower than in years past, most still expected the Blue Jays to be a playoff team this past season. They wound up falling far short, however, finishing with an AL-East worst record of 74-88.
The ugly year didn’t result in the firing of general manager Ross Atkins like many thought it should, but there’s no doubt now that he’s on thin ice. If he hopes to be around by this time next year, he’ll need to ensure his roster is far improved heading into next season, and in order to do so, he’ll need to do everything in his power to add one or two of the highly touted free agents listed below.
1. Juan Soto
There have been plenty of reports dating back to a year ago that the Blue Jays had significant interest in Juan Soto. At that time, it was obvious that the San Diego Padres were going to trade him, though it was the New York Yankees who ultimately won the sweepstakes.
Now, the Blue Jays have a second crack at Soto, this time in free agency. They are once again being viewed as a top landing spot for the four-time All-Star, and given their need for an outfielder, it makes plenty of sense. The 26-year-old will be far from cheap, however, as he’s said to be looking for a historic deal in the $700 million range.
2. Corbin Burnes
The Blue Jays are looking to add at least one arm to their starting rotation next season, and there’s no better option available than Corbin Burnes. The 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner is coming off of a season with the Baltimore Orioles in which he had an impressive 2.92 ERA in 32 starts.
If the Blue Jays were to land Burnes, he would join a rotation that features some other very solid talent in Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Alek Manoah, and 2024 breakout star Bowden Francis. One of those players listed would likely be moved into a bullpen role, but no matter how you slice it up, that rotation has the potential to be one of the league’s best.
3. Alex Bregman
Another highly profiled free agent the Blue Jays have been linked to is Alex Bregman. The 30-year-old third baseman appears set to join a new organization after having spent the first nine years of his career with the Houston Astros.
After a slow start to his 2024 season, Bregman ended the year hitting a respectful .260 with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs. He’s capable of better numbers, but even those would look spectacular in a Blue Jays lineup that struggled to hit the ball throughout the entirety of the 2024 season.
4. Max Fried
Should the Jays miss out on Burnes, they have another fantastic option in Max Fried. The 30-year-old is coming off of a season in which he appeared in his second All-Star Game and has a dazzling 3.07 ERA throughout the entirety of his career.
Fried’s 3.25 ERA from this past season is actually the second-highest through his seven seasons in the big leagues, showing just how dominant he is. Whether the Jays elect to push all their chips forward for a starting pitcher remains to be seen, but if they do, Fried would be an excellent choice.
5. Anthony Santander
As mentioned, the Blue Jays need an outfielder, and if they aren’t able to land Soto, Anthony Santander would be an excellent consolation prize. The Baltimore Orioles aren’t likely to bring back the 30-year-old thanks to an impressive prospect pipeline, some of whom are ready for MLB action.
Santander is yet another player being linked to the Blue Jays, and for good reason. He’s not only a good fit positionally, but he also proved himself as a power hitter in 2024, blasting 44 home runs and 102 RBIs.
6. Willy Adames
The Milwaukee Brewers are still pushing hard for Willy Adames to return, but the 29-year-old is now officially on the open market. For a multitude of reasons, he serves as a very good fit for the Blue Jays.
There is a ton of uncertainty facing Bo Bichette regarding whether or not he wants to be part of the Blue Jays moving forward. Even if he does, his defensive struggles are well-documented and may make him a better fit to play second base. Bringing in Adames would help turn that into a reality.
7. Tanner Scott
As this list already shows, the Blue Jays need help in a ton of areas, though arguably none more so than relief pitching. Their bullpen was an outright disaster this past season, ranking among the worst of all 30 MLB teams. Tanner Scott would help improve that significantly.
Scott began the season as the closer for the Miami Marlins but turned into more of a set-up man after being acquired in a trade by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He excelled in both, putting together a 1.75 ERA through a combined 72 innings. The strong season saw him earn his first All-Star nod and will give him plenty of options in free agency.
8. Teoscar Hernandez
While all the players on this list would be welcomed, there may not be one more well-received than Teoscar Hernandez. Blue Jays fans are still bitter about the trade that sent him out of town following the 2022 season and were going through all sorts of emotions while watching him help the LA Dodgers win a World Series this year.
Hernandez’s numbers dipped in the 2022 and 2023 seasons but picked right back up in his first season as a Dodger. In 154 games, he hit .272 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs. He’s not just a fan favourite in Toronto but also an excellent player.
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