How did the Blue Jays from Toronto end up here? The Blue Jays were in a strong position to compete for a postseason berth in 2024 after averaging 90 victories in 2021–2023. The team is on the verge of the most significant offseason in recent memory, despite winning 15 less games than they did the previous season.
Manager John Schneider and general manager Ross Atkins are undoubtedly on the hot seat, or very nearly so. To improve the roster and put Toronto back in the running come spring, they will require a successful offseason. There are numerous areas where the squad can do better.
A demanding AL East schedule won’t make the competition any easier. This season, the Blue Jays had their poorest record since 2019 and finished last in the division for the first time since 2013. In 2025, they don’t anticipate worse outcomes.
If Toronto hopes to contend with the best teams the following season, it will need to add players to the squad. The Jays ought to be active in both free agency and the trade market. This applies to both adding and removing players. A couple of the Blue Jays’ players are disposable and could be traded.
Regardless of the outcome, Toronto must emerge from the offseason in a stronger position than when it started the winter. Does that imply a blockbuster transaction or the addition of a superstar? There’s always a chance.
Sign a 2024 All-Star to bolster bullpen
The Blue Jays bullpen was awful in 2024, to put it simply. With a reliever ERA of 4.82, Toronto came in at number 29. The only teams who gave up more earned runs than the Jays out of the bullpen were the dreaded Colorado Rockies and the historically awful Chicago White Sox.
Therefore, it should go without saying that the Blue Jays need to experiment and add players through free agency and trade. Jeff Hoffman is a righty power arm to keep an eye on. He recently had an All-Star season with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Hoffman had a 2.41 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 54 games in 2023, his first season with Philadelphia. In 2024, he had an even better season, cutting his ERA to 2.17 after 14 more innings pitched. In addition, he improved his strikeouts per nine innings and saved ten games.
Hoffman rapidly established himself as one of Philadelphia’s most dependable relief pitchers by cutting down on walks and raising his strikeout rate. Although he encountered difficulties throughout the playoffs, he chose an excellent moment to put together consecutive career years. He lost two games, blew a save, and gave up six earned runs in three games.
Jeff Hoffman had a rough week, and prospective teams are hoping he will return to his 2023 postseason form (2.57 ERA in seven innings, nine Ks / one BB). Although other teams may be able to offer him more money, the Phillies will make an effort to entice him back. Hoffman ought to sign a multi-year contract. The Blue Jays are in dire need of late-inning solutions; why can’t they provide them?
Move on from Bo Bichette
You have to cut a man loose sometimes. With shortstop Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays are at a turning point, and it would be prudent for them to move quickly before they lose their advantage.
Bichette and Vlad Guerrero Jr., who are both scheduled to become free agents following the 2025 season, have a tiny but not impossible chance of being extended or re-signed by Toronto. This offseason, the Jays must make a decision on both players. Bichette is the more likely of the two on the move, therefore one of them might end up getting traded.
According to Bob Nightengale, Toronto is willing to shop for Bichette this winter and may have had some offers before to the trade deadline. In the off-season, it will be simpler to assess interest and offers. If the Jays choose to move on, a deal might be reached rather fast.
Bichette was a mainstay in Toronto’s lineup and was selected to the All-Star team twice. He only played 81 games this season due to injuries, and his stats weren’t great. He’s a strong contender for a comeback and might position himself for a hefty payout. Or he signs a contract extension with his new team after being traded by the Jays. In any case, Toronto must be considering this option.Win the Juan Soto jackpot
The Blue Jays haven’t won a championship or made it to the World Series in over 30 years. There is no reason why the Blue Jays can’t provide the winning baseball that the northern fans demand. Having multiple stars in the lineup is beneficial. This winter, Toronto may try to add what is likely the largest of them all.
The Blue Jays are reportedly planning to pursue Juan Soto, the most sought-after free agent available this winter. Almost every MLB team will be vying for Soto’s signature if he challenges Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract.
Last year, Toronto reportedly made an offer to sign Ohtani that was comparable to the one he signed with the Dodgers. Given that Soto is a 20-year-old superstar slugger with many more prime years to go, it would make sense for the Jays to turn around and offer him an enormous sum.
Why not strive to give it their best if the Blue Jays are serious about competing the following season? Ross Atkins should make Juan Soto the biggest offer if ownership is prepared to part with the cash and force the four-time All-Star to leave money on the table if he decides not to sign with Toronto.
Discuss laying all of your cards on the table. The Jays would have to be commended for their effort alone if they did it. Naturally, getting Soto’s signature would be beneficial as well.
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