Three High-Upside Starters the Blue Jays Could Target in Free Agency

[Edward E]

With Shane Bieber opting into his contract for the 2026 MLB season, the Toronto Blue Jays might have the front end of the rotation more or less set, with Kevin Gausman and Bieber leading the way. Bounce-back candidate José Berríos and promising rookie Trey Yesavage will presumably play roles in the middle of the rotation for the Jays this upcoming season.

So, Toronto doesn't necessarily need to blow the bank to round out its starting rotation. Here, we will take a look at three free agent starting pitchers the Jays could pursue, all of whom will likely be available on shorter, less expensive deals than the arms at the very top of the market.

Tyler Mahle
Prior to 2025, Tyler Mahle would have been an under-the-radar candidate for contenders looking to fill out their rotations. That is because with a career ERA above 4.00, along with his injury woes in recent years, teams would have been more wary about his consistency and durability over an entire season.

Yet, Mahle managed to put together the best season of his MLB career in 2025 with the Texas Rangers. He posted a 6-4 record with a tidy 2.18 ERA and 1.13 WHIP, while giving up only five home runs in 86 2/3 innings pitched over 16 starts.

His ability to prevent the long ball in recent years could come in handy for the Blue Jays in the hitter-friendly confines of the Rogers Centre. Having also just turned 31, Mahle should have plenty of gas left in the tank in the coming seasons (presuming he can stay healthy) to help Toronto build sustainable winning success going forward.

Lucas Giolito
Lucas Giolito was a revelation for the Boston Red Sox after returning from UCL surgery that wiped out his 2024 season. To complement Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, Giolito posted a strong 10-4 record with a 3.41 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, together with 121 strikeouts in 145 innings pitched over 26 starts. Unfortunately, the 31-year-old right-hander suffered a right elbow injury in late September that ended up keeping him out of action during the postseason. Without the services of Giolito, the Red Sox were eliminated by the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card Series.

Giolito would slot in nicely behind Gausman and Bieber to form a dominant trio for the Jays’ rotation in 2026. Given his past success pitching in the AL while playing for the Chicago White Sox, the Los Angeles Angels and the Red Sox, the nine-year veteran should transition in seamlessly playing for Toronto.

Brandon Woodruff
Another elite pitching option that performed well after coming off surgery that kept him out of action for 2024, Brandon Woodruff returned to form just in time for the Milwaukee Brewers during the latter half of the 2025 season. He would compile a stellar 7-2 record with a 3.20 ERA and 0.91 WHIP, giving up just 14 walks while striking out 83 batters in just 64 2/3 innings of work over 12 starts down the stretch.

Yet, similar to Giolito above, Woodruff would also miss the 2025 postseason due to a right lat strain that he sustained towards the end of September. As a result, the Brewers were also disposed of during the playoffs at the hands of the eventual champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

One advantage Woodruff has over the two other candidates above is that when he is on his game, he can actually be one of the best in the league. However, his durability has always been an issue, having made more than 22 starts only twice during the past six seasons. That limits his overall potential impact. But, if the Blue Jays can bet on a clean bill of health for the veteran 32-year-old pitcher, Woodruff could turn out to be a huge steal this offseason for Toronto.

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[Joltin Joe]

With Bieber and Gausman free agents next year. Jays need a controllable long term starter. Dylan Cease is my first choice. Around 5/110?

[Spanky__99]

5 hours ago, Joltin Joe said:

With Bieber and Gausman free agents next year. Jays need a controllable long term starter. Dylan Cease is my first choice. Around 5/110?

lol... 5/110? Da fuq???

[Brownie19]

Joe - when you post, I can't tell if you're trolling or if you're just generally out to lunch.  

[Sorrow]

Id imagine Cease is more in the 5/155 to 7 /210 range.

I do think the team needs two starters one of which should have top half of the rotation potential and one more mid to back like a Mable , post shoulder surgery Woodruff, or someone like Ponce.

[Omar]

So Cease will be 30 years old next season. At 30M per annum he is going to be offered at least five years.  If the Jays offer him seven years it is worth the risk.  Sure seven years is a long time for any arm to implode but with Gausman on the way out we need a top of the rotation anchor. Will Atkins be risk averse or go for it?  I think he is riding a wave right now so make the offer Ross!

[glory]

Cease has been durable and the Jays obviously value that and are willing to pay more for that. What he commands on the market will be interesting. I think I’d prefer Imai for the age/upside factor but an impact Japanese player signing with the Jays is not something I’d want to bank on. Cease is more of a sure thing, and might be easier to convince to sign.

[Joltin Joe]

On 11/14/2025 at 5:50 AM, Spanky__99 said:

lol... 5/110? Da fuq???

6/135 is most he will get. 

[jaysblue]

Cease had a 4.55 ERA pitching in Petco Park. C'mon guys! 

[max silver]

5 hours ago, jaysblue said:

Cease had a 4.55 ERA pitching in Petco Park. C'mon guys! 

And a 3.46 xERA/3.56 FIP. 

[Spanky__99]

10 hours ago, jaysblue said:

Cease had a 4.55 ERA pitching in Petco Park. C'mon guys! 

Derp!

[jaysblue]

16 hours ago, max silver said:

And a 3.46 xERA/3.56 FIP. 

8-12 record. Not good enough.