Do the Blue Jays Have More Moves To Make?

[Sam Charles]

Construction inside Rogers Centre is nearing completion as February approaches. From behind the plate to the upper decks, tarps and scaffolding stretch from dugout to dugout. The parallels between the stadium upgrades and the roster overhaul are hard to miss. High‑end amenities cost money, and so does a roster built to finish what last season started.

In an elevator down to field level, I mentioned to a team executive that Opening Day is just around the corner, even though Game 7 feels like it happened yesterday. He smiled and nodded.

The momentum from last season’s success, combined with an active offseason, keeps the Blue Jays in the conversation as one of the strongest teams on paper heading into 2026.

Toronto pursued many of the top free agents, and there is still a sense the club may not be finished.

The remaining free agent market is thin, and only a few available players would address areas where the Jays could still improve. The needs include infield depth, a power bat and a high‑leverage reliever.

The starting infield appears set after the signing of Kazuma Okamoto. He is projected to adjust quickly to major league pitching, but if he needs time, the Jays will have to shuffle pieces. There is also a chance he platoons with Addison Barger at third base. Unlike the Garth Iorg–Rance Mulliniks platoon of the 1980s, an Okamoto‑Barger tandem would bring legitimate power to the lineup.

A key question is whether Ernie Clement can repeat his breakout 2025 season. If he can, manager John Schneider will find ways to keep him in the lineup. If he regresses, second base becomes a concern. At the moment, Davis Schneider and Leo Jiménez are the only true backup options.

Free agent Luis Arraez could be a good fit. He is a high‑contact, high‑OBP hitter, but he does not offer power and is limited defensively to first and second. He would bring veteran presence and left‑handed balance, but his lack of versatility lowers his overall value. At the right price, he remains an interesting option.

Injuries happen, so the Jays are likely exploring infield depth both externally and internally. They’d presumably prefer players who can handle multiple positions and fit their contact‑first approach.

Josh Kasevich, a shortstop who spent 2025 in Triple A, posted solid numbers and is ranked 11th in the organization. He is likely to see major league time in 2026. If Andrés Giménez struggles or gets injured, both of which occurred last season, Kasevich could be called upon. Clement and Jiménez are also capable shortstop options, with Schneider able to play second as needed.

Signing Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger would have created roster complications. A healthy Anthony Santander should occupy a corner outfield spot and allow George Springer to see more regular DH time. Springer’s strong 2025 season was due in part to staying healthy, helped by spending more time at DH than in the field.

Daulton Varsho enters 2026 as the Jays’ starting centre fielder. Barger has earned the right field job to open the season. Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw and Schneider will rotate in as needed.

Those three depth outfielders have surfaced in trade speculation, but none would fetch a major return on their own. They would be secondary pieces in a larger package. Straw, in particular, is less attractive due to his contract; he'll make $7.4 million in 2026, with an $8 million club option (with a $1.75 million buyout) for 2027.

While the focus is on 2026, the outfield picture becomes unclear after this season. Both Varsho and Springer are free agents next winter. Each brings value and is a fan favourite, but both could also bring meaningful returns if the Jays pivot.

There was chatter last year about a potential trade for Steven Kwan, but he signed a one‑year deal with Cleveland to avoid arbitration. He would bring elite contact skills and leadership, but he does not offer anything Varsho or Springer do not already provide, nor would he solve the long‑term outfield issue; Kwan will be a free agent after 2027.

A surprise trade is always possible, but for now, the front office appears comfortable with its infield and outfield pieces.

The biggest upgrades this offseason came in the starting rotation. Dylan Cease, the club’s marquee signing, will headline a staff that should rank among the best in baseball. Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage could arm wrestle for the No. 2 spot. Both have something to prove: Gausman is entering a contract year, while Yesavage wants to show his rapid rise in 2025 was no fluke.

Shane Bieber, Cody Ponce, José Berríos, Eric Lauer and Bowden Francis round out the rotation depth chart, with Ricky Tiedemann another option to start at some point down the line. Bieber will also be part of the conversation for the No. 2 spot, but right now, his health is a bit up in the air.

Regardless, there is a surplus of capable starters, which suggests the Jays may be open to moving one or two pitchers in the right deal.

The bullpen has evolved with the additions of Tyler Rogers and Chase Lee. The questions now are whether Jeff Hoffman and Yimi García can return to form, whether Louis Varland, Braydon Fisher and Mason Fluharty can continue progressing, and if Rule 5 picks Angel Bastardo and Spencer Miles can stay in the mix.

If the rotation performs as expected, the bullpen could be even stronger. A lightly-used and healthy relief corps late in the season would position the Jays well for another deep playoff run.

Every contending roster needs redundancy to survive a long season filled with slumps and injuries. In 2025, the Jays stayed relatively healthy, though Santander, Varsho, Giménez, Berríos and more spent time on the injured list.

This offseason has been dramatic and, at times, frustrating. Missing out on Tucker, Bellinger, and Bo Bichette stings. But the team remains strong, the market remains open and the front office is clearly exploring options. In negotiations, leverage is everything, and right now, the Jays have it.

They do not need to make another move. But the right move could further improve the team and fill those new premium seats between first and third well into October as the Jays chase that elusive championship.

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