Vladmir Guerrero Jr. batting for the Toronto Blue Jays; CC by License 2.0
A couple of week in the past, the Blue Jays regarded like they have been the complete league’s laughing inventory. They’d not made a transaction in over a month. They’d regularly been runner-ups to high-prestige gamers like Corbin Burnes, Teoscar Hernandez, and Juan Soto. And to high all of it off, studies have been working rampant of a $100M+ hole in contract negotiations between themselves and their younger star first baseman. Fact be informed, this stain has not essentially washed itself away, however issues have lightened up very marginally with one transfer. Nonetheless, there may be 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 needs to be the highest priorities for the crew going into 2025 and past.
Lock up Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Daring take, proper? Consider it or not, there was a time limit 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, you already know, in all probability 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 subsequent two seasons. Whereas no seasons to sneeze at in any way, and sure a profession 12 months for a plethora of hitters, that might not be a stat line demanding a star-level contract extension. 2024 finally turned a “show it” sort 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 regular, 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 can be more than pleased to stick with the crew if they might have him. Nonetheless, because the path of the crew turns into an increasing number of unsure and with the monster contracts being given out to younger, famous person 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 crew supplied a deal value $340M, whereas Guerrero is at the moment trying extra within the vary of $450M. Whereas that is doubtless how common negotiations can go, the place two sides submit what they want and finally do their finest to satisfy within the center, the longer these negotiations take, the extra they have an effect on the entire crew in quite a lot of methods. There have been constant rumblings that high-profile free brokers, notably Corbin Burnes, have been hesitant to signal with the Blue Jays as a result of uncertainty of the crew’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 needs to be the #1 precedence above all for the Jays. It needs to be carried out promptly as properly, because it was reported that Guerrero was giving the group till Spring Coaching to barter and discover frequent 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 might 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 clear up a plethora of their issues and enhance their probabilities in bringing in items to assist that trigger.
Proceed to repair up the bullpen
Most Blue Jays followers really feel that the principle precedence this offseason was for administration to signal an additional bat to supply some depth within the lineup, and rightfully so. Nonetheless, consider it or not, the bullpen was by far essentially the most detrimental a part of the crew 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 considerations along with his elbow that led to the non-tender however nonetheless hoped to retain him for a less expensive fee. Sadly, the Philadelphia Phillies have been greater than keen to herald Romano for a similar fee the Jays weren’t.
From there, it has been as much as administration to try to reinvent the arm barn in several methods. Bringing again an outdated and dependable pal in Yimi Garcia for 2 years doesn’t harm within the slightest. Including Nick Sandlin in a take care of the Guardians helps as properly, as he might be a serviceable sixth or seventh-inning arm. The large kahuna was their most up-to-date transaction: a 3-year take care of 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 latest 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 saved 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 fee. Just lately, it was additionally reported that the Atlanta Braves just lately handed on a 5-year take care of Hoffman as properly, citing the identical bodily flags. Whereas in a vacuum, this might be very regarding for a crew 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 fee and time period with such bodily considerations. 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 can 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 obtainable. The crown jewels of all of them would doubtless be Tanner Scott or Carlos Estevez, however maybe they might demand a price ticket that the Jays really feel can 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 may be very a lot a high-risk, high-reward possibility, and Jansen could also be on the final legs of his profession. Greater than doubtless, Jays followers are in for names that they by no means knew existed as some key additions, however I doubt they are going to a lot care so long as they carry out properly.
Discover some power-heavy bats to enrich the lineup
That is the issue that followers have essentially the most give attention to in Toronto. Common Supervisor Ross Atkins’ dedication to protection and pitching prior to now two seasons got here at the price of the house run launching id the Blue Jays had been properly regarded for in years previous. Ever since some controversial trades, equivalent 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 practically 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 lately, that’s precisely what they’ve been. Bets. In 2025, the Blue Jays require a positive factor in a robust bat that may defend Guerrero Jr. and Bichette. Whereas protection might win championships, you can not win a title with none offense both. Maybe after two seasons of lackluster offensive performances, this offseason can be the one the place the entrance workplace would sacrifice some protection for some offensive manufacturing, proper?
Mistaken. Effectively, not less than 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 perfect defensive center infielder in baseball, his offensive output prior to now 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’s going to nonetheless harm an increasing number of if nothing is finished to fill within the offensive gaps that gamers like Gimenez will greater than doubtless 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 vital 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 can 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 steadiness of their lineup, whereas additionally restoring that offensive bomb-launching id as a powerhouse risk. As of latest, it was heard that the Jays had made a 4-year, $90M provide to the Venezuelan, however nothing has come of that as of but. If Santander finally ends up elsewhere, there may be the thriller issue of Pete Alonso. The Polar Bear has at all times had a knack for hitting residence 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 obtainable on the free agent market. Some would surprise if maybe a conditional one or two-year deal, just 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 sport of Tornado to seek 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 obtainable possibility, but it surely 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 doubtless nothing greater than that.
Within the grand scheme of issues, the Jays can obtain quite a lot of inside 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 depart it to probability? Discover somebody who is thought to launch baseballs persistently, and guarantee your self not less than some assure of offensive enchancment.
Discover a appropriate low-end beginning pitcher to enrich a well-off rotation
On the time of writing this text, the Blue Jays have been named one of many finalists by younger famous person pitcher Roki Sasaki, together with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. Clearly, that might 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 might regular the center of the rotation as an alternative. Whereas the beginning pitching market has not been gradual by any means, there can be found choices that would complement the Blue Jays’ rotation properly.
One identify that the majority are stunned continues to be obtainable 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 Okay/9. If he had stayed in Detroit for the rest of the season, he would have been on tempo to keep up these metrics, making them in direction of the perfect 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 Okay/9 in 55.1 IP. Whereas not performing the perfect, Flaherty was nonetheless a key half in serving to the Dodgers to their World Sequence victory. Nonetheless, it’s doubtless this down stretch that has quite a lot of groups hesitant so as to add him along with his requested time period and cash. It was reported that Flaherty talked about he can be keen to take a shorter-term deal, and that’s the place the Blue Jays might 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 may be not a nasty cause I’ve heard to not less than contemplate bringing him aboard.
Effectively, maybe one cause might be money-related. If the entrance workplace would like to be extra shrewd of their signings for beginning pitchers, many obtainable choices might 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 possibility as a starter and a reliever/opener makes him a very good match for what the pitching workers wants. Certain, his ERA numbers don’t explode off the charts, however this was a pitcher who was supplied the qualifying provide by his former crew, the Boston Pink Sox. There’s worth within the function Pivetta can play. If the Jays are searching for a extra conventional possibility, Jose Quintana is a reputation they’ve been linked to as properly. The 35-year-old isn’t any stranger to shifting across the league, having performed for 7 completely 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 crammed in admirably as an opening-day starter and offered high quality innings within the postseason on their technique to their NLCS run. That sort of presence and consistency might 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 might convey extra of that very same consistency and reliance going into 2025.
Briefly, the beginning rotation needs to 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 will be obtainable 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.
