The Toronto Blue Jays spent the start of this offseason going all in, signing four of the available top free agents. The acquisitions were made after the team went on a historic playoff run, reaching the World Series. Even though they eventually fell to the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in seven hard-fought games, the Blue Jays replenished their roster with even more talent than before. Even so, they can still make more additions before the start of spring training.
Reloading the Bullpen This Offseason
At the start of this offseason, the Blue Jays made it clear that they were willing to pay a hefty price for talent, as evidenced by their seven-year, $175 million contract for Dylan Cease. The 30-year-old starting pitcher brings consistency, making more than 30 starts in five consecutive seasons, to a rotation already featuring Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage. Cease’s most impressive season came in 2024, where he went 14-11 on a 3.47 ERA with 224 strikeouts.
The Blue Jays then began to tackle their bullpen, bringing Cody Ponce back to the majors on a three-year, $39 million deal. The 31-year-old spent two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2020-21 before playing in Japan. Days later, the Blue Jays signed righty reliever Tyler Rogers to a three-year, $37 million contract. The 35-year-old made a name for himself as one of the more prominent members of the San Francisco Giants bullpen. Across seven seasons, he went 26-23 with a 2.76 ERA.
Signing Kazuma Okamoto
The Blue Jays’ next order of business was to add talent to their lineup, which they did by signing free agent infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million contract. The 29-year-old Japanese product comes from the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball. He hit 27 or more home runs in every season since 2028, but injuries slowed down his production last season. Okamoto brings power to a Blue Jays lineup that already features power-hitting infielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Across 11 NPB seasons, Okamoto hit 248 home runs and 717 RBI on a .277 batting average.
What’s Next in Offseason for Blue Jays
With the signing of Okamoto, the Blue Jays still have room to bring in another top free agent. Recent reports indicate that they are looking into giving outfielder Kyle Tucker a contract. Tucker has made four consecutive All-Star appearances and is the most valuable free agent on the market. But after paying a hefty price for a few others, the Blue Jays might be reluctant to do so.
Another option is to re-sign shortstop Bo Bichette, who entered free agency at the start of this offseason. The 27-year-old right-handed batter had five seasons with 175 hits or more. He made two All-Star appearances with the Blue Jays and hit a towering home run during game seven of the World Series. There’s no doubt about Bichette’s talent, especially in critical moments.
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