The Toronto Blue Jays approached last week’s trade deadline with a strategy focused on a quick turnaround, aiming to be competitive for the next season’s playoffs. The team made some notable changes, including trading infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa and reliever Nate Pearson, who were under contract for the next season. Additionally, six trades involved players who were pending free agents and could have departed at the end of the year without the team receiving any compensation.
The challenge now falls to Ross Atkins, or whoever will be the general manager, to address the deficiencies in the roster. The Blue Jays need to replace departing players and make significant upgrades to be competitive in the American League East. The team has a projected competitive balance tax payroll of approximately $138 million for 2025, with arbitration cases likely pushing this figure closer to $190 million. This leaves more than $50 million less than their starting payroll for 2024 to work with.
While this may seem like a substantial amount, it must cover the addition of at least three regular position players, one starting pitcher, and multiple bullpen arms. Here’s a detailed look at the positions that need filling, the internal candidates, and the top free agents available for each role:
Third Base
With the departure of Kiner-Falefa, the third base position is now open. The in-house options include Ernie Clement and Addison Barger. Recently acquired prospect Will Wagner has experience at third but is better suited for second base or first base. Among the top free agents, Alex Bregman stands out, and Matt Chapman might decline his player option to become available. Other candidates include Eugenio Suarez, with a $15 million team option, and J.D. Davis. An unconventional approach could involve shifting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to third base more frequently and signing a free-agent first baseman such as Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, or Rhys Hoskins.
Designated Hitter
The Blue Jays are currently without a full-time designated hitter after trading Justin Turner. They are likely to address this need through free agency or trade. However, Spencer Horwitz could fill this spot if the team adds a full-time second baseman. J.D. Martinez and Joc Pederson are free agents again this winter and could be potential targets. While Alonso, Hoskins, and Walker are also fits, they may prefer not to give up playing in the field. Outfielders like Teoscar Hernández, Anthony Santander, and Tyler O’Neill should also be considered as options for the DH role.
Second Catcher
With Danny Jansen traded, Alejandro Kirk has become the primary catcher. However, there are concerns about his ability to handle the workload alone. Re-signing Jansen remains a possibility, though he is expected to be one of the top catchers on the market and could receive offers the Blue Jays cannot match. Other free-agent options include Carson Kelly and Elias Diaz. The internal candidates, Brian Serven and Nick Raposo, do not seem sufficient to fill the backup catcher role.
Starting Pitcher
For the upcoming season, the Blue Jays are projected to have Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, José BerrÃos, and Yariel Rodriguez in their rotation. This leaves one spot open, with newly acquired prospect Jake Bloss and Bowden Francis as the top internal options. The organizational depth has been compromised due to injuries to Alek Manoah and Ricky Tiedemann, making it prudent for the Blue Jays to add a reliable starter as a precaution. They are unlikely to pursue top-tier free agents such as Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, Walker Buehler, or possibly Gerrit Cole. A reunion with Yusei Kikuchi is feasible, and mid-tier free-agent options include Nick Pivetta, Michael Wacha, Michael Lorenzen, Andrew Heaney, and Jose Quintana.
Addressing these needs through careful signings and strategic trades will be essential for the Blue Jays to build a competitive roster and contend in the American League East next season.
