Blue Jays Discussion Thread (2026)

[glory]

Yeah I think the FA 2B class is more quantity than quality. The players aren’t bad but not needle movers or guys I’d trust long term. It’s possible the best solution for 2B might be a trade. The Jays kinda need some arb or pre-arb players on the position player side. Abrams, Edwards, Neto, etc, are some IF’ers who might be available. Not sure the Jays have the expendable prospect depth to make big trades but it might be their best option. 

[John_Havok]

On 10/20/2026 at 4:18 PM, philly30 said:

33 years ago today, largest combined score in World Series History, 15-14 Jays Over Phillies

Good teams win 1-run games 

[jaysblue]

A lot of the 2B options come with question marks, but most have also shown they can be legitimate difference-makers.

In terms of pure tools and ceiling, though, I think there’s a pretty clear gap between Jazz and someone like Arraez or Lowe. If Jazz is right, you’re talking about a guy capable of hitting 30–35 HRs while stealing 35–40+ bases. Even with the 4+ WAR seasons he put up in 2024 and 2025, I still think there’s another level there given his overall skill set.

With Lowe, maybe you can squeeze out another 4-WAR season, but I’d probably view his floor more in the 2–3 WAR range. On a four- or five-year deal, I’m just not convinced he moves the needle enough.

As for Arraez, I’d be pretty surprised if we ever see another 4-WAR season from him. He can obviously still hit, but the overall ceiling just isn’t close to what Jazz can provide.

Regardless, either of these bats would be upgrades over Clement at 2B. 

[Spanky__99]

6 hours ago, jaysblue said:

A lot of the 2B options come with question marks, but most have also shown they can be legitimate difference-makers.

In terms of pure tools and ceiling, though, I think there’s a pretty clear gap between Jazz and someone like Arraez or Lowe. If Jazz is right, you’re talking about a guy capable of hitting 30–35 HRs while stealing 35–40+ bases. Even with the 4+ WAR seasons he put up in 2024 and 2025, I still think there’s another level there given his overall skill set.

With Lowe, maybe you can squeeze out another 4-WAR season, but I’d probably view his floor more in the 2–3 WAR range. On a four- or five-year deal, I’m just not convinced he moves the needle enough.

As for Arraez, I’d be pretty surprised if we ever see another 4-WAR season from him. He can obviously still hit, but the overall ceiling just isn’t close to what Jazz can provide.

Regardless, either of these bats would be upgrades over Clement at 2B. 

👆 Owns Jazz in Fantasy...

[Olerud363.354]

On 10/24/2026 at 3:41 AM, John_Havok said:

Good teams win 1-run games 

Two amazing 150 homer .350 on base percentage teams.   They don't make them like that anymore, except the Brewers are kind of like that especially if you adjust for batting average being 20 points lower. 

Even still it is amazing the Brewers don't have any eye popping batting average/on base guys but somehow team on base of .340.  Like Jays/Phillies had Olerud/Alomar/Molitor/Kruk/Dykstra all .320 guys there about. 

I think in 2026 the high end guys aren't as good but they must fill out the roster better.  

Like no Alfredo Griffin or Turner Ward dragging things down??  I don't know.  Weird how they have a .340 on base without monsters .400+++ guys. 

 

[Sorrow]

I’d love Jazz Chisholm Jr,  but if he’s too expensive I’d take a flyer on Torres if he’s available relatively cheaply. Best case scenario he’s a fine starting 2B and worst case he’s an incredible weak side of a 2B platoon with someone like Smith, he crushes lefties and we struggled against lefties horribly this year.

If you end up keeping Clement it’s as a utility player covering all 4 IF and giving Gimenez games off at SS against tough lefties.

[Terminator]

I still want Arraez but I am starting to talk myself into Jazz too.

4.1, 4.3 and 3.5 WAR in each of the last 3 seasons. He's a borderline star player but you might not have to pay him like one. Also, his baserunning is elite and we desperately need more of that.

He's a colossal douchebag but maybe he's not that bad if he's on your own team? Not sure if the Yankees would let him walk over a 4 year deal either.

[Eat My Shatkins]

I'm still on the Suzuki and Lowe train, although it'd be risky signing two 32 year olds to multi year deals, I admit.

[hanton]

Absolutely wild, gotta be some charges here (apologies if it was already posted)

 

[glory]

I’m not sure what the realistic trade options are, but I’m definitely on the Jazz bandwagon in free agency. Far more likely to reach or exceed his 2026 numbers than Lowe or Arraez, IMO. If the Yankees don’t qualify him then it becomes more of a no brainer. I wouldn’t give him a 4-5 year deal but I don’t think he’d get one anyway in the current market. Real potential for a buy low steal here (short term). 

[Brownie19]

1 hour ago, glory said:

I’m not sure what the realistic trade options are, but I’m definitely on the Jazz bandwagon in free agency. Far more likely to reach or exceed his 2026 numbers than Lowe or Arraez, IMO. If the Yankees don’t qualify him then it becomes more of a no brainer. I wouldn’t give him a 4-5 year deal but I don’t think he’d get one anyway in the current market. Real potential for a buy low steal here (short term). 

I agree with all of this - except I think he's going to get a lot more.  I can easily see a 4 year $100M deal for him.  He should cost a lot more than Torres.  I think he'll get more than Lowe too.  I get a lot more uncomfortable if it takes 4+ years and/or  $100M+.

I could be wrong.  Some 2 year $50M deal is a no-brainer.

[Stangstag]

2 hours ago, glory said:

I’m not sure what the realistic trade options are, but I’m definitely on the Jazz bandwagon in free agency. Far more likely to reach or exceed his 2026 numbers than Lowe or Arraez, IMO. If the Yankees don’t qualify him then it becomes more of a no brainer. I wouldn’t give him a 4-5 year deal but I don’t think he’d get one anyway in the current market. Real potential for a buy low steal here (short term). 

Big personality/big attitude, he definitely doesn’t fit the front office MO.

[glory]

7 hours ago, Stangstag said:

Big personality/big attitude, he definitely doesn’t fit the front office MO.

Yeah while I think he’s the best FA 2B option, I don’t expect the FO to want to sign him for that reason. 

[SpencerBateman]

Facebook says we are getting Teoscar Hernandez.  I remember Facebook used to just show me posts my friends did, now I don't see any of those posts.  Just random accounts posting stuff about that we are getting Aaron Judge.

[Laika]

13 hours ago, Stangstag said:

Big personality/big attitude, he definitely doesn’t fit the front office MO.

The front office doesn't have the luxury in this context of turning their nose up at players for reasons like this. 

[Omar]

17 hours ago, hanton said:

Absolutely wild, gotta be some charges here (apologies if it was already posted)

 

I wonder what his user name is here on Jays Centre? 🤣

[Brownie19]

17 hours ago, hanton said:

Absolutely wild, gotta be some charges here (apologies if it was already posted)

 

Jesus Christ - this is America in a nutshell.  Utter moron who got what he deserved.  Imagine living life while being that stupid.

[Stangstag]

4 hours ago, Brownie19 said:

Jesus Christ - this is America in a nutshell.  Utter moron who got what he deserved.  Imagine living life while being that stupid.

Loll what a douchenozzle

[bronson44]

This is what gambling does to people. That guy probably is watching his life being ruined in real time and is unable to stop himself. I hope he gets caught and is forced to get some help for it. Gambling is a scourge on society and it's disgusting that sports have embraced it just so they can add a few extra dollars to their already overly stuffed pockets.

[jaysblue]

All these sports leagues, teams and players need to stop advertising gambling apps and sportsbooks. Even the broadcasts constantly push betting lines and odds during games now. I find it disgusting and honestly a huge turnoff.

I saw the Chiefs’ official social media account sharing betting lines before the Denver game the other day. Like seriously? Obviously they have a partnership with DraftKings, but I don’t think an actual team account should be promoting gambling on its own games.

And yes, I do think the relationship between professional sports and sportsbooks has become so intertwined that it raises legitimate questions about whether certain games or situations are being manipulated. I’m not saying I can prove that every suspicious call or strange finish is connected to gambling, but when leagues, teams, broadcasts and players are all financially tied to sportsbooks, I think it’s fair for fans to question how much influence that money has.

Maybe some people will call that conspiracy thinking, but the leagues themselves have created that perception by getting this deeply involved with gambling. If they want fans to trust the integrity of the product, they shouldn’t be simultaneously shoving betting odds and sportsbook promotions in our faces every five minutes.

[Jays24]

Bo obviously picked up his option.  Make the Mets eat 15M per season and lets do the trade already lol.  

[Brownie19]

Sports betting is capitalism at its absolute worst.  

[Laika]

Fun link to play around with the roster.

https://www.dealinthecards.com/gm?team=tor

I believe they have one more option year on Bloss because of his injuries, so if you do this feel free to leave him off the 40 man. I believe Bloss, Bowden Francis (when he turns) and Spaghetti will and can all be in Buffalo. No idea what they would do with Berrios if he comes back and the rotation is full. 

[Laika]

Here is a relatively boring offseason. 

 

[Brownie19]

1 hour ago, Laika said:

Here is a relatively boring offseason. 

 

[BTS]

1 hour ago, Laika said:

Here is a relatively boring offseason. 

 

That's gross

[Laika]

I think people are underestimating how significant it was to Toronto to have entire seasons from Barger and Santander wiped out, along with almost 50% of the season for Kirk. 

There is this impression that the offense just plain sucks and is hopeless and Shatkins put together a woeful slap-hitting team with no path forward, but I dunno. It could be better than people think, even without any significant additions, just assuming a somewhat healthy year from the incumbent hitters and some reasonable amount of regression to the mean for Guerrero. 

[Terminator]

Yeah I think the offense will be fine. The FA bats suck but there are plenty of options for corner OF and 2B.

• Corner OF: Suzuki would be awesome but I don't think we HAVE to swing that big. Lukes is underrated and Barger and Taters are back. Add another righty to the mix and then you've got corner OF and DH covered. I think Taylor Ward could be a good bounceback candidate on a cheap deal. Keys is good depth in AAA.
• 2B: Lots of options here. Sign one of Jazz, Lowe, Arraez, or Gleyber.
• SP: The Dodgers or Mets will probably get Skubal but we are the third team in the mix. But there are plenty of options here too and I would def sign someone. You can never have enough depth.
• RP: Probably a luxury at this point. I wouldn't break the bank but if there is someone available for a 1 or two year deal that we like let's go for it.
• Backup CF: There aren't a ton of options here but it would make sense to add a righty that can play CF. Bringing back Straw is an option but Tyrone Taylor or Lane Thomas are better with the stick. And I know Luis Robert has his fanboys. Or maybe we make a trade.

Do all of the above and depending on the quality of the pickups the outcomes will range from the World Series will be easy to make to WC3 will be easy to make. 

[Terminator]

Holy sh1t Randy Aroz put up 5.5 WAR last year?

[jaysblue]

3 hours ago, Laika said:

I think people are underestimating how significant it was to Toronto to have entire seasons from Barger and Santander wiped out, along with almost 50% of the season for Kirk. 

There is this impression that the offense just plain sucks and is hopeless and Shatkins put together a woeful slap-hitting team with no path forward, but I dunno. It could be better than people think, even without any significant additions, just assuming a somewhat healthy year from the incumbent hitters and some reasonable amount of regression to the mean for Guerrero. 

I agree to an extent. Losing essentially the entire season from Barger, getting almost nothing from Santander and missing Kirk for close to half the year obviously had a significant impact. Add in Vladdy having a down season, Springer’s power dropping off and Varsho not giving them what was expected, and a lot went wrong offensively.

So yeah, I don’t think the lineup is completely hopeless either. A healthy Barger alone potentially adds another 25-HR bat, Kirk is one of their better hitters when healthy, and you would expect some positive regression from Vladdy.

Where I disagree is using that as a reason to mostly run it back. You simply can’t count on Santander being healthy or productive at this point, and there are still too many spots in the lineup without much power. If you’re regularly starting both Gimenez and Clement, for example, you’re putting a lot of pressure on the other 6–7 bats to provide all the thump.

The incumbent group could definitely be better in 2027 simply through better health and some regression to the mean, but I’d still want them to add at least one legitimate impact bat. Raise the ceiling rather than just hoping everything that went wrong in 2026 corrects itself.