There’s still work to be done, but the Toronto Blue Jays have begun fixing what started out as a nightmare of an offseason.
Ross Atkins and his management staff were public-enemy number one in Toronto early into free agency. First, they missed out on Juan Soto, who they had been hoping to add before the free-agency period even began. It didn’t end there, either.
They attempted to pivot after losing the Soto sweepstakes, targeting several players including a few top-tier pitchers in Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. Despite the Blue Jays’ best efforts, both elected to sign elsewhere.
Then, there was the Roki Sasaki debacle.
The Blue Jays, who were very desperate to land a significant piece, agreed to take on Myles Straw’s less-than-desirable contract in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians. In doing so, they picked up some international bonus signing pool space, which they did in order to land Sasaki.
The decision was a disaster, as Sasaki too rejected the Blue Jays, instead signing with the LA Dodgers. This move set Toronto fans over the top, with many calling for Atkins to be fired. That never happened, however, and against all odds, the Jays GM seems to be turning things around.
Blue Jays finally adding big pieces
It felt like the Blue Jays weren’t going to be able to land anybody of significance on the free-agent market, but that finally changed on January 10, when they were able to sign relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman to a three-year deal.
Hoffman, who was once a highly-touted prospect in the Blue Jays organization, is coming off of the first All-Star appearance of his career. He put up a pristine 2.17 ERA in 66.1 innings with the Philadelphia Phillies last season.
Less than two weeks after nabbing Hoffman, the Blue Jays were able to land a powerful bat, signing outfielder Anthony Santander to a lucrative five-year contract. The 30-year-old also appeared in the 2024 All-Star Game, and is coming off of a career-high 44 home runs and 102 RBIs with the Baltimore Orioles.
The Jays weren’t done there, either, as they were able to work out a one-year deal with Max Scherzer yesterday. The 40-year-old struggled to stay health in 2024, but was effective when on the mound with a 3.95 ERA.
Along with the three mentioned, the Jays also made a notable addition much earlier this offseason when they acquired second baseman Andrés Giménez from the Cleveland Guardians in a multi-player deal. The 26-year-old was an All Star in 2022 and has won three Gold Glove Awards.
They may not be done adding, either, as they continue to be linked to some of the best names still available in Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman.
One huge move left to be made
What will be the ultimate defining moment for the offseason involves Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The two sides were able to recently agree on a one-year extension, meaning that while he will play for the Blue Jays in 2025, he could leave via free agency next offseason.
Fans are praying that an extension can be worked out, and many, including former Blue Jay Teoscar Hernandez, are puzzled as to why a deal isn’t already completed.
There haven’t been any reports as of late that the two sides are finding common ground on extension talks, but if they can work something out in the coming months, the Blue Jays offseason will suddenly be looked at as a success.
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