Matthew Lenz

With Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, and Bo Bichette off the market. It's becoming harder to see a way for the Toronto Blue Jays to fully upgrade their offense. At this point, Cody Bellinger would be the only free agent who could give that boost; however, there have been no reports indicating that either side is interested. On the other hand, there are still options out there for them to bolster their pitching staff. Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays and starting pitcher Framber Valdez "met in person at the GM meetings in November." He adds that both sides shared a "mutual interest. Of course, things have changed since this meeting, as it occurred before the Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease. Valdez, 32, was projected to get a five-year, $150 million deal by our team at DiamondCentric. At this point, a contract that big would come with a significant luxury tax hit; however, the Blue Jays showed a willingness to pay it, with reports of a $35 million AAV offer for Kyle Tucker. It's not clear whether they'd be willing to do the same for Valdez (or even Bellinger). In parts of eight seasons with the Houston Astros, Valdez has shown himself to be one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball, having made 28 or more starts in each of the past four seasons. He has a career 3.36 ERA (3.51 FIP) and a 14.8% strikeout minus walk rate, and is an extreme ground-ball pitcher. His 2025 season was generally in line with his career norms. Do you think the Toronto Blue Jays should stand pat or re-engage with Valdez? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

As has been the case since basically day one of the offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays have been and will continue to be one of the most aggressive teams in the trade and free agent market. After landing Dylan Cease via free agency, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reports that they may not be done adding to the rotation. In a recent column, Nicholson Smith reported that the team has remained "engaged with the starting pitching market" and named Michael King, Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, and Cody Ponce as potential free-agent targets. Additionally, he identifies starters Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins and MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals as trade targets, both of whom they discussed at the 2025 deadline. In short, it doesn't sound like anyone is out of sight when it comes to bolstering their starting rotation for 2026. Despite a current rotation of Cease, Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, and Eric Lauer, the Blue Jays know starting pitching depth is essential to another World Series run. Nicholson-Smith points out that 10 of the 12 playoff teams had at least six pitchers make 10 or more regular-season starts, including their World Series teams, who had seven such pitchers. Who do you think the Blue Jays should target for their rotation? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

With a bevy of relief pitchers on the 40-man roster, the Toronto Blue Jays have effectively non-tendered one who was in his arbitration years. According to the Blue Jays' official transaction log, pitcher Nick Sandlin has been outrighted by the team. MLB Trade Rumors projected the righty to earn $2 million via arbitration. The Jays now have 37 players on their 40-man roster. Sandlin, acquired via trade about a year ago, made 19 appearances, throwing 16 1/3 innings in 2025. Injuries limited his availability and likely his productivity. So, do you think he'll choose free agency or accept his assignment to the minor leagues? Let us know what you think in the comments! Featured image courtesy of Eric Canha, Imagn Images. View full rumor

Earlier this week, the Toronto Blues were reported to be in "every market" and specifically to be interested in landing a high-end reliever. Reporters from the Athletic previously named Pete Fairbanks, Devin Williams, Phil Maton, and "other similar relievers" as possibilities. Now, we have another name to add to the list. Francys Romero is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays have "emerged as a strong suitor" for Raisel Iglesias. The 36-year-old has been among the game's best for nearly a decade and hasn't shown signs of slowing down. Iglesias appeared in 70 games for the Atlanta Braves during the 2025 season, throwing 67 1/3 innings in relief. The right-hander recorded a FIP of 3.31 and produced a 21.4% K-BB%. Converting 29 of 34 saves, Iglesias generated a Win Probability Added (WPA) of 1.04 in 2025. Given his age, MLBTR anticipates a short-term deal, netting $32 million over two seasons. Of the names mentioned, which would you prefer the Jays to add? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

Yesterday, Ken Rosenthal reported that the Toronto Blue Jays are expected to be suitors for former Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks. Today, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic confirmed and expanded on that rumor. Bannon reported that the teams are targeting high-leverage relievers in free agency and identified Devin Williams, Phil Maton, and "other similar relievers" in addition to Fairbanks. Williams struggled through 67 appearances for the Bronx Bombers, logging 62 innings pitched in relief. Though he posted a career-high 4.79 ERA, his 2.68 FIP suggests he was better than the surface stat indicates. On the other hand, his K-BB rate of 25.0%, which would be considered low for most pitchers, was below his career average. If we can point to one thing as the reason for his struggles, it would be his league-worst 55.2% strand rate—a number roughly 20 points below his career norm and typically not predictive from one season to another. MLBTR projects him to net $68 million over four years. Maton appeared in 63 games between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers in 2026. He recorded a strong 2.79 ERA backed by an even better 2.60 FIP. Additionally, he posted a solid 23.4% K-BB rate. MLBTR named him an honorable mention on their top 50 free agents list, but didn't provide a contract prediction. Who are other high-leverage relievers you'd like to see the Blue Jays pursue? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

The Toronto Blue Jays aren't resting on their laurels after an exciting postseason run that saw them bring the superpower Los Angeles Dodgers to the brink. After Bo Bichette elected free agency and Shane Bieber opted in to a team-friendly deal, the Blue Jays are in a position to be aggressive this offseason. From the General Manager meetings in Las Vegas, NV, Shi Davidi and Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet are reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays are "in every market". Citing multiple player agents, it's expected for it to "be easier for them to get players", and that the organization is "hungry" and "acting like big boys". While no players are named in the report, the Blue Jays have already been linked to Bichette, Kyle Tucker, Munetaka Murakami, and Pete Fairbanks. Additionally, Chris Bassitt has expressed interest in returning to the club. Do you think the Blue Jays will be aggressive this offseason? Let us know what you think in the comments! View full rumor

The Toronto Blue Jays will have a busy offseason as they've already been linked to a few of the biggest names on the market, including a reunion with infielder Bo Bichette. Now, we can add one more name to the list. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that the Blue Jays are "expected to be suitors" for reliever Pete Fairbanks. Fairbanks appeared in 61 games for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025, logging 60 1/3 innings pitched. The reliever registered a 3.63 FIP and posted a 16.8% K-BB rate. Despite collecting 27 saves as the Rays' primary high-leverage reliever, he posted a miniscule WPA of 0.06. The Rays declined $11 million club option, paying him a $1 million buyout and making him a free agent. He's the 44th-ranked free agent according to MLBTR, and they predict he'll net $18 million over two years on the open market. Do you think the Blue Jays should pony up for a high-leverage reliever to bolster their bullpen? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

The Toronto Blue Jays will have money to spend this winter and have choices to make on how they spend it. The team will undoubtedly try to bring back infielder Bo Bichette while also targeting pitching. However, a Japanese infielder who was recently posted may also be in the fold. Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet has linked the Toronto Blue Jays to Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami. As of the posting of this, teams will have 44 days to reach an agreement with the superstar from Japan. The 25-year-old Munetaka profiles as a big bat with a decent amount of swing-and-miss. Do you think the Blue Jays should target him? View full rumor

Turns out good things happen after you take the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers to the brink in the World Series. The Toronto Blue Jays are rewarding their manager following one of the best (and most-watched) Game 7s in decades. Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays have picked up manager John Schneider's 2026 option and are discussing an extension with their skipper. As is usually the case, the financial details of the option weren't made public. He was signed to a three-year contract after taking over for Charlie Montoyo in the middle of the 2022 season. Despite his recent success, many fans have been critical of Schneider's in-game decision-making. Even in the World Series, his use of pinch runners for some of the team's best hitters was heavily scrutinized. However, he's led the Blue Jays to a 303-257 (.541 win percentage), three playoff appearances, and the organization's first division title in a decade. His postseason record is 10-12. Picking up his option was a no-brainer, but do you think he's earned an extension? Let us know in the comments! Featured image courtesy of John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images. View full rumor

Less than 24 hours after a devastating Game 7 World Series loss, the Toronto Blue Jays have been informed that two players will be testing free agency rather than sticking with the organization. Pitcher Ryan Borucki (outrighted on September 18th) and infielder Michael Stefanic (outrighted June 7th) elected free agency today. Burocki appeared in 39 games in 2025, pitching 35.0 innings between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Blue Jays. Signed to a minor league pact after being released by the Pirates, only four of those innings came with Toronto, where he allowed zero earned runs and posted a 5:4 K:BB ratio. Stefanic played nine games for the Blue Jays, mostly at second base, in 2025. Over 25 plate appearances, he recorded four hits (all singles) with one run scored. He appeared at second base in nine games and briefly at shortstop. Both players are likely looking for minor league contracts to get another shot at a big league roster in 2026. Do you think the Blue Jays should re-sign either player as depth? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

After a heartbreaking defeat in Game 7 of the World Series, reporters were quick to look ahead to next season in their postgame interviews. In front of a pool of reporters, an emotional Chris Bassitt expressed his hope to return to the Toronto Blue Jays next season. In part, the 37-year-old said, "You can try to replicate this. A lot of people will try, but it’s not really possible." With Max Scherzer also set to become a free agent and only three others locked into the rotation, there is plenty of room if Bassitt and the Blue Jays can agree to a deal. The righty would be a solid mid to back-end rotation piece behind Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and Jose Berrios. Last season, he started 31 games, sporting a 4.01 FIP and 15.5% K-BB rate across 170 1/3 innings - his fourth consecutive season reaching that plateau. Additionally, he was extremely effective out of the bullpen in October (and November), throwing 8 1/3 innings of relief, giving up one earned run, and striking out 10. Do you think the Blue Jays should pursue Bassitt or shoot higher on the trade or free agent market? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! View full rumor

After a heartbreaking defeat in Game 7 of the World Series, reporters were quick to look ahead to next season in their postgame interviews. After starting Game 7, Jesse Rogers of ESPN asked Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer about his future in Major League Baseball. The surefire Hall of Famer didn't fully commit to playing in 2026 but instead said "...it’s going to take some time to give a full answer to that, but there is no way that was my last pitch.” The 41-year-old Scherzer started Games 3 and 7 in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving up four earned runs over 8 2/3 innings. In his only other postseason start in game four of the American League Championship Series, the three-time Cy Young Award winner earned the victory, allowing two earned runs and striking out five in 5 2/3 innings. Overall, 2025 was a tough season that was impacted by a thumb injury. The righty made 17 starts, sporting a 4.99 FIP and 16.5% K-BB rate. Scherzer is a free agent in a relatively weak 2025-2026 starting pitching free agency class. Do you think the Blue Jays should re-sign the two-time World Series champion? View full rumor

The Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation is about to get a boost from one of their trade deadline acquisitions. Mitch Bannon of The Athletic is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays will be activating and starting Shane Bieber on Friday. Bieber has been on a rehab assignment recovering from Tommy John surgery, making seven starts across various minor league levels. In a combined 29 innings of work, he has a 1.86 ERA with 37 strikeouts and three walks. In what is expected to be his final rehab start on August 15 with Triple-A Buffalo, he pitched 7 scoreless innings, allowing six hits. On July 31, 2025, the Toronto Blue Jays acquired Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Khal Stephen. Stephen was ranked as the number 5 prospect in the Blue Jays system and was a second-round pick in the 2024 MLB draft. What impact will Bieber have down the stretch after not pitching for more than a year? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor