Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins has faced significant criticism for sticking to a strategy that has yet to deliver results, especially with key players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Chris Bassitt, and Chad Green heading toward free agency after the 2025 season. Despite unsuccessful attempts to extend Vladdy, Atkins has focused on building the team around him and Bichette. Since their highly anticipated debut in 2019, the Blue Jays have made three Wild Card appearances, but have failed to win a single game. This past season, the team finished last in the AL East with a sub-.500 record.
Instead of dismantling the team, which is common for struggling clubs, Atkins has opted to take a gamble, maintaining that the Blue Jays can make a playoff push next year. But what does this mean for the franchise?
To climb from last place to the top of the division—or at least secure a Wild Card spot—Toronto needs a significant revamp. In 2024, the Blue Jays ranked 22nd in team ERA and tied for 17th in team OPS, signaling a substantial amount of work ahead. Worst-case scenario, they might end up having another lackluster season, missing the chance to trade their top players while their value remains high.
While Atkins’ approach has drawn widespread criticism, there could be free-agent moves—either acquisitions or rejections—that could shift his status from underwhelming to celebrated in just a year. What key signings might help achieve that transformation?
Signings to make
Alex Bregman
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Alex Bregman has been a key contributor to the Astros’ dynasty in recent years. He’s an excellent defender, consistently hits over 20 home runs per season, and has been a reliable hitter in the top of the lineup.
Although 2024 has arguably been Bregman’s weakest offensive season, much of this can be attributed to injuries. He posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs in 581 at-bats. His .768 OPS and .315 OBP are both career lows. While his performance this season is still strong, it pales in comparison to his 2019 campaign, where he hit 41 home runs with a .296 average, both career highs for the third baseman.
Bregman’s postseason experience also adds to his value. Despite some mixed results in the playoffs, he has been a consistent power hitter, excluding 2024, where he only had eight at-bats due to an early postseason exit. In that brief appearance, he went 3-for-8 with three singles.
Although Bregman alone wouldn’t make the Blue Jays a World Series contender, adding him would be a solid step in the right direction. His contract likely wouldn’t be exorbitant, but given his status as a top third baseman on the market, the competition could still drive up the price.
Jurickson Profar
Jurickson Profar just completed a career-best season, making it clear that he’s a reliable hitter. He posted a .280/.380/.459 line with 24 home runs and an .839 OPS in 564 at-bats. His strong first half earned him his first All-Star selection. While it remains to be seen if he can maintain this level of performance, the market will certainly value his recent success. Still, he likely won’t command a high price.
Profar would be a great fit in the middle of any lineup. The Blue Jays, in particular, will be looking to add bats to support Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Profar could provide much-needed protection for Guerrero, who was the team’s only consistent hitter in 2024. Even during less impressive years, Profar would be an upgrade over most of the Blue Jays’ lineup.
While Profar has shown interest in returning to San Diego, he is still open to other offers. It’s worth noting, however, that he ended the season in a slump, including a weak performance in the postseason, hitting just .200 in 25 at-bats against the Braves and Dodgers. His career postseason average is .258 with one home run in 89 at-bats.
Teoscar Hernandez
Teoscar Hernandez was a consistent performer for the Blue Jays before his trade to the Mariners, and he’s now aiming to help the Dodgers win another championship. In his lone season with the Dodgers, he posted a solid .272/.339/.501 slash line with 32 home runs and an .840 OPS. While Hernandez is not known as an elite slugger, his ability to hit 25+ home runs consistently makes him a valuable addition.
After a strong 2024, Hernandez will likely be a hot commodity, and the Blue Jays could look to bring him back. He would be a natural fit in the middle of their lineup.
Corbin Burnes
After a disappointing year for the Blue Jays’ pitching staff, securing a new ace should be a top priority. Corbin Burnes stands out as the top pitcher on the free-agent market. He finished 2024 with a 2.92 ERA and 194.1 innings pitched. The 2021 NL Cy Young winner has proven he can maintain a sub-3.00 ERA, having achieved this three times in the last four years.
A rotation featuring Burnes alongside Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and an emerging Bowden Francis could have World Series potential. Burnes’ postseason performance also stands out, with a 2.33 ERA in 27 postseason innings.
Burnes will command a high price, but given the Blue Jays’ “win-now” approach, he could be the game-changing pitcher they need to reach the postseason.
Anthony Santander
In today’s game, home runs play a crucial role in success, and the Blue Jays could greatly benefit from a slugger like Anthony Santander. Coming off a career-best season with 44 home runs, Santander is one of the top power hitters in the game. His home run total ranks among the league’s best, and he’s been consistently increasing his power in recent years.
Despite his success, Santander’s primary appeal is his power, meaning his contract shouldn’t be overly expensive. He would provide the Blue Jays with much-needed power, without breaking the bank, leaving room for other moves.
Juan Soto
Juan Soto has helped the New York Yankees become a top contender, bringing them closer to another championship. With a .288/.419/.569 slash line, 41 home runs, and a .988 OPS in 2024, Soto has proven he’s one of the elite hitters in the game. His on-base percentage of .419 is particularly impressive, and pairing him with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the Blue Jays’ lineup would make them a postseason favorite.
The Blue Jays are reportedly interested in Soto, and while his price tag will be steep, his ability to transform a lineup makes him a worthy investment.
Signings to avoid
2. Justin Verlander
There are very few pitchers that carry a reputation like Justin Verlander’s. Verlander has won Rookie of the Year, three Cy Youngs, an MVP, and an ALCS MVP. With a career 3.30 ERA and having spent 19 years in the majors (did not pitch in 2021 due to Tommy John surgery) he is a sure-fire lock for Cooperstown. Who wouldn’t want him?
Unfortunately, Verlander’s time in the MLB is nearly up. Next season, Verlander will be 42 years old. Verlander dealt with several shoulder problems during the 2024 season. He pitched to an abysmal, career-worst 5.48 ERA through 90.1 innings which resulted in him being left off the Astros’ Wild Card series roster. At his age, with his 2024 performance, and with his injuries, Verlander is a question mark. This isn’t to say he doesn’t have anything left in the tank. There just isn’t any way of knowing how Verlander will perform next season if he can stay healthy.
Verlander will likely be seeking a one-year deal to end his career on a high note. While this does match the Blue Jays win now criteria, one year of Verlander might not be the best gamble. Unless Verlander comes cheap and the Blue Jays are willing to spend on a reliable insurance arm, they should stay away from him.
1. Shane Bieber
Cy Young Award winners are typically quite expensive, though their price often reflects recent performance. Shane Bieber, for instance, hasn’t pitched a full season since 2022, and his 2023 outings were far from Cy Young-caliber. Since his 2020 Cy Young win, Bieber’s fastball velocity has dropped significantly, though he still posted a solid 2.88 ERA in 2022.
After returning from injury at the start of this year, “Not Justin” threw 12 scoreless innings before requiring season-ending surgery. As of now, Bieber’s future is uncertain, raising questions about his health and whether he’ll recover fully from Tommy John surgery. The real concern for the Blue Jays is whether they should take a chance on him with just one year to make a run at the title.
Given the uncertainty, teams might be able to sign a Cy Young winner at a significant discount this offseason. If Bieber stays healthy and regains his form, he could be a key contributor to a postseason run. However, there are three major concerns stemming from his recent injury.
First, it’s unlikely he’ll be ready for the start of the 2025 season. With the Blue Jays in a “win-now” situation, signing a pitcher who’ll miss time is risky. Second, his innings will likely be limited due to his injury. Finally, his performance after surgery may not be at the level it once was. While Bieber could be a valuable long-term investment, the Blue Jays may find their resources better allocated elsewhere if 2025 is their target year.
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