This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Toronto Blue Jays' 2026–2027 offseason schedule, highlighting essential dates for the Winter Meetings, MLB Draft Lottery, and key decision-making periods for arbitration-eligible players and those with contract options.
The Blue Jays enter the offseason facing important questions about their starting rotation, outfield, and designated-hitter situation. The potential departures of George Springer, Shane Bieber, and several veteran pitchers will influence Toronto's plans, while the organization must determine how aggressively to supplement a roster built around Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Dylan Cease.
Toronto has significant money committed to its established core, but several expiring contracts provide opportunities to reshape the roster for 2027.
Calendar note: MLB's current collective bargaining agreement expires December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. A lockout is anticipated but has not begun. Events and operations that could be affected are marked “pending lockout.” Published dates remain listed unless officially changed.
Important Dates at a Glance
Day after the World Series ends: Eligible Blue Jays become free agents; offseason trades resume under the current agreement.
Fifth day after the World Series ends: Exclusive negotiating period ends; eligible free agents can sign with other clubs. Qualifying offers are due. Individual contract-option deadlines must also be checked.
November 1, 2026: Gold Glove Award winners announced.
November 2: BBWAA award finalists and Silver Slugger finalists announced.
November 9–12: General Manager Meetings in Las Vegas.
November 9: Rookie of the Year winners announced.
November 10: Manager of the Year winners announced.
November 11: Cy Young Award winners announced; MLB Awards celebration in Las Vegas.
November 12: Most Valuable Player Award winners announced.
November 17: Rule 5 roster protection deadline; qualifying-offer acceptance deadline; Silver Slugger winners announced.
November 20: Non-tender deadline.
December 1, 11:59 p.m. ET: Current collective bargaining agreement expires.
December 2026: Winter Meetings — pending lockout. December 7–9 is the reported baseball-business schedule; published calendars differ on the full meeting window.
December 8: Scheduled MLB Draft Lottery — pending lockout.
December 9: Scheduled Major League Rule 5 Draft — pending lockout.
January 8, 2027: Scheduled salary arbitration figure exchange — pending lockout.
January 15: Expected international signing period opening under the existing system — pending lockout.
Late January–February: Expected arbitration hearings — pending lockout.
February: Pitchers, catchers, and position players report to Dunedin; exact dates unannounced — pending lockout.
February 19: Scheduled Grapefruit League opener, with split-squad games against the Yankees and Pirates — pending lockout.
March: Spring Breakout details unannounced — pending lockout.
March 20: Scheduled exhibition game at Tampa Bay's Tropicana Field — pending lockout.
March 24: Scheduled MLB Opening Night; matchup unannounced — pending lockout.
March 25: Scheduled Blue Jays Opening Day at the New York Yankees — pending lockout.
April 2: Scheduled Blue Jays home opener against Seattle at Rogers Centre — pending lockout.
Free Agency: Who Could Leave Toronto?
Toronto's principal pending unrestricted free agents include:
OF/DH George Springer.
RHP Shane Bieber.
RHP Max Scherzer.
LHP Patrick Corbin.
RHP Paul Sewald.
RHP Yimi García.
The Blue Jays face decisions across multiple areas of the roster, but Bieber and Springer represent two of the most consequential situations.
Springer's six-year contract has expired, creating an opening in Toronto's DH spot. His departure could allow the team to rotate more players through the position rather than committing most of those at-bats to one veteran.
Bieber is another important decision. Injuries limited him to 11 starts and a 4.37 ERA in 2026, but his previous success could still make him an attractive candidate for a short-term agreement.
Scherzer, Corbin, Sewald, and García also create potential openings on the pitching staff. Toronto must determine whether to pursue veteran reunions or invest in younger, more durable alternatives.
Contract Options
Toronto's principal contract-option decision involves:
Myles Straw: $8 million club option for 2027, with a $1.75 million buyout.
Straw's option presents Toronto with a decision about its outfield depth and defensive flexibility. Exercising the option would retain a veteran defender, while declining it would create additional financial flexibility.
Unlike a mutual option, a club option gives Toronto the right to retain the player at the agreed salary without requiring a separate decision by the player.
José Berríos is also under contract, although his recovery from Tommy John surgery creates uncertainty about when he will be available during 2027.
Qualifying Offers
The reported qualifying offer is $23.15 million for one season, according to the New York Post. Offers are due on the fifth day after the World Series, with the reported acceptance deadline on November 17.
Toronto does not have an obvious qualifying-offer candidate among its principal departing veterans.
Bieber is a player worth monitoring because of his previous accomplishments, although his injury-shortened season complicates the financial calculation.
Toronto must weigh the potential draft compensation against the risk of committing more than $23 million to a player on a one-year contract. No qualifying offer should be treated as official before the club announces it.
General Manager Meetings: November 9–12
The GM Meetings take place in Las Vegas from November 9–12.
The Blue Jays can use the meetings to explore starting-pitching additions, bullpen reinforcements, and potential outfield upgrades.
The rotation is particularly important. Cease and Trey Yesavage provide established and emerging options, while José Soriano, Spencer Arrighetti, and Cody Ponce offer additional possibilities.
However, Berríos' rehab and the departures of veteran starters mean Toronto may need to add depth rather than relying exclusively on internal options.
The organization must also determine how to improve its offensive consistency around Guerrero while preserving flexibility for younger players.
Rule 5 Protection and the 40-Man Roster
Protection deadline: November 17.
Scheduled Major League Rule 5 Draft: December 9 — pending lockout.
The Blue Jays must evaluate eligible prospects and determine which players warrant protection on the 40-man roster.
Toronto's decisions are complicated by injured players who must return to the 40-man roster during the offseason, including pitchers recovering from significant injuries.
The organization must balance prospect protection with the roster space necessary for free-agent signings, trades, and waiver claims.
A prospect's eligibility does not mean Toronto has decided to protect him. Only an official addition to the 40-man roster completes that protection.
The November deadline precedes the expiration of the labor agreement. The Major League Rule 5 Draft remains pending lockout.
Awards Season
November brings the major defensive, offensive, and BBWAA award announcements, along with the separate MLB Awards celebration.
The Blue Jays' award candidates, finalists, and voting finishes should be tracked as results become official.
Club-specific honors and organizational awards should be distinguished from the league's national awards calendar.
Non-Tenders and Arbitration
Non-tender deadline: November 20.
Scheduled figure exchange: January 8 — pending lockout.
Expected hearings: late January–February — pending lockout.
Toronto's projected arbitration-eligible players include:
Ernie Clement
José Soriano
Josh Smith
Bowden Francis
Spencer Arrighetti
Louis Varland
Nathan Lukes
Davis Schneider
Some projections say that Clement could earn approximately $7.5 million in 2027, while Soriano projects at $5.9 million, Smith at $3.725 million, and Varland at $3.2 million.
The eight-player class carries a combined projected salary of approximately $26.2 million in one estimate.
Clement is among the most important decisions because of his role in Toronto's infield. Soriano and Varland also represent significant investments in the pitching staff.
Francis and Arrighetti present different considerations as Toronto evaluates its pitching depth and injury recoveries.
Tendering contracts retains players' rights without settling their final salaries. Trades, non-tenders, and negotiated agreements can change the group before the arbitration process concludes.
Winter Meetings, Draft Lottery, and Competitive Balance Picks
Winter Meetings: December 7-9th — pending lockout.
Scheduled Draft Lottery: December 8 — pending lockout.
Scheduled Major League Rule 5 Draft: December 9 — pending lockout.
Toronto's final draft position, potential compensation selections, and bonus allocations remain subject to official confirmation.
The Blue Jays' draft outlook could also be affected by qualifying-offer decisions and any applicable penalties or compensation under the current agreement.
Hall of Fame Voting: The Blue Jays Connection
Former Toronto stars Carlos Delgado and José Bautista remain familiar names in discussions of the franchise's historical significance, while former Blue Jays players appearing on the current Hall of Fame ballot provide another offseason storyline.
The official ballot should determine which former Toronto players are eligible for consideration in this voting cycle.
January 19 has been reported as the election-results date. Hall of Fame voting operates separately from MLB transactions and potential labor restrictions.
International Signing Period
Expected opening: January 15, 2027 — pending lockout.
Toronto's official international bonus pool, signing rules, and completed agreements remain subject to confirmation.
The Blue Jays have invested heavily in international scouting and player development, making the opening of the signing period another important organizational date.
Reported commitments are separate from completed signings.
Spring Training in Dunedin
Reporting dates: pending lockout.
The Blue Jays are scheduled to begin Grapefruit League play on February 19 with split-squad games against the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Toronto will host the Yankees in Dunedin and visit Pittsburgh's spring home in Bradenton.
The Blue Jays' spring schedule also includes a March 20 exhibition against Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field and a March 21 home game against Philadelphia.
Spring Training will be particularly important for evaluating Toronto's rotation depth, the health of returning pitchers, and the competition for outfield and DH opportunities.
Opening Day and the Return to Rogers Centre
March 25: Scheduled season opener at the New York Yankees — pending lockout.
April 2: Scheduled home opener against the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre — pending lockout.
Toronto is scheduled to begin the season with a six-game road trip against the Yankees and Baltimore Orioles before returning home.
The Blue Jays will also host Milwaukee from April 5–7, creating an early interleague matchup between the two clubs covered in these guides.
First-pitch times and broadcast details remain subject to confirmation.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Toronto Blue Jays' 2026–2027 offseason schedule, highlighting essential dates for the Winter Meetings, MLB Draft Lottery, and key decision-making periods for arbitration-eligible players and those with contract options. The Blue Jays enter the offseason facing important questions about their starting rotation, outfield, and designated-hitter situation. The potential departures of George Springer, Shane Bieber, and several veteran pitchers will influence Toronto's plans, while the organization must determine how aggressively to supplement a roster built around Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Dylan Cease. Toronto has significant money committed to its established core, but several expiring contracts provide opportunities to reshape the roster for 2027. Calendar note: MLB's current collective bargaining agreement expires December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. A lockout is anticipated but has not begun. Events and operations that could be affected are marked “pending lockout.” Published dates remain listed unless officially changed. Important Dates at a Glance Day after the World Series ends: Eligible Blue Jays become free agents; offseason trades resume under the current agreement. Fifth day after the World Series ends: Exclusive negotiating period ends; eligible free agents can sign with other clubs. Qualifying offers are due. Individual contract-option deadlines must also be checked. November 1, 2026: Gold Glove Award winners announced. November 2: BBWAA award finalists and Silver Slugger finalists announced. November 9–12: General Manager Meetings in Las Vegas. November 9: Rookie of the Year winners announced. November 10: Manager of the Year winners announced. November 11: Cy Young Award winners announced; MLB Awards celebration in Las Vegas. November 12: Most Valuable Player Award winners announced. November 17: Rule 5 roster protection deadline; qualifying-offer acceptance deadline; Silver Slugger winners announced. November 20: Non-tender deadline. December 1, 11:59 p.m. ET: Current collective bargaining agreement expires. December 2026: Winter Meetings — pending lockout. December 7–9 is the reported baseball-business schedule; published calendars differ on the full meeting window. December 8: Scheduled MLB Draft Lottery — pending lockout. December 9: Scheduled Major League Rule 5 Draft — pending lockout. January 8, 2027: Scheduled salary arbitration figure exchange — pending lockout. January 15: Expected international signing period opening under the existing system — pending lockout. Late January–February: Expected arbitration hearings — pending lockout. February: Pitchers, catchers, and position players report to Dunedin; exact dates unannounced — pending lockout. February 19: Scheduled Grapefruit League opener, with split-squad games against the Yankees and Pirates — pending lockout. March: Spring Breakout details unannounced — pending lockout. March 20: Scheduled exhibition game at Tampa Bay's Tropicana Field — pending lockout. March 24: Scheduled MLB Opening Night; matchup unannounced — pending lockout. March 25: Scheduled Blue Jays Opening Day at the New York Yankees — pending lockout. April 2: Scheduled Blue Jays home opener against Seattle at Rogers Centre — pending lockout. Free Agency: Who Could Leave Toronto? Toronto's principal pending unrestricted free agents include: OF/DH George Springer. RHP Shane Bieber. RHP Max Scherzer. LHP Patrick Corbin. RHP Paul Sewald. RHP Yimi García. The Blue Jays face decisions across multiple areas of the roster, but Bieber and Springer represent two of the most consequential situations. Springer's six-year contract has expired, creating an opening in Toronto's DH spot. His departure could allow the team to rotate more players through the position rather than committing most of those at-bats to one veteran. Bieber is another important decision. Injuries limited him to 11 starts and a 4.37 ERA in 2026, but his previous success could still make him an attractive candidate for a short-term agreement. Scherzer, Corbin, Sewald, and García also create potential openings on the pitching staff. Toronto must determine whether to pursue veteran reunions or invest in younger, more durable alternatives. Contract Options Toronto's principal contract-option decision involves: Myles Straw: $8 million club option for 2027, with a $1.75 million buyout. Straw's option presents Toronto with a decision about its outfield depth and defensive flexibility. Exercising the option would retain a veteran defender, while declining it would create additional financial flexibility. Unlike a mutual option, a club option gives Toronto the right to retain the player at the agreed salary without requiring a separate decision by the player. José Berríos is also under contract, although his recovery from Tommy John surgery creates uncertainty about when he will be available during 2027. Qualifying Offers The reported qualifying offer is $23.15 million for one season, according to the New York Post. Offers are due on the fifth day after the World Series, with the reported acceptance deadline on November 17. Toronto does not have an obvious qualifying-offer candidate among its principal departing veterans. Bieber is a player worth monitoring because of his previous accomplishments, although his injury-shortened season complicates the financial calculation. Toronto must weigh the potential draft compensation against the risk of committing more than $23 million to a player on a one-year contract. No qualifying offer should be treated as official before the club announces it. General Manager Meetings: November 9–12 The GM Meetings take place in Las Vegas from November 9–12. The Blue Jays can use the meetings to explore starting-pitching additions, bullpen reinforcements, and potential outfield upgrades. The rotation is particularly important. Cease and Trey Yesavage provide established and emerging options, while José Soriano, Spencer Arrighetti, and Cody Ponce offer additional possibilities. However, Berríos' rehab and the departures of veteran starters mean Toronto may need to add depth rather than relying exclusively on internal options. The organization must also determine how to improve its offensive consistency around Guerrero while preserving flexibility for younger players. Rule 5 Protection and the 40-Man Roster Protection deadline: November 17. Scheduled Major League Rule 5 Draft: December 9 — pending lockout. The Blue Jays must evaluate eligible prospects and determine which players warrant protection on the 40-man roster. Toronto's decisions are complicated by injured players who must return to the 40-man roster during the offseason, including pitchers recovering from significant injuries. The organization must balance prospect protection with the roster space necessary for free-agent signings, trades, and waiver claims. A prospect's eligibility does not mean Toronto has decided to protect him. Only an official addition to the 40-man roster completes that protection. The November deadline precedes the expiration of the labor agreement. The Major League Rule 5 Draft remains pending lockout. Awards Season November brings the major defensive, offensive, and BBWAA award announcements, along with the separate MLB Awards celebration. The Blue Jays' award candidates, finalists, and voting finishes should be tracked as results become official. Club-specific honors and organizational awards should be distinguished from the league's national awards calendar. Non-Tenders and Arbitration Non-tender deadline: November 20. Scheduled figure exchange: January 8 — pending lockout. Expected hearings: late January–February — pending lockout. Toronto's projected arbitration-eligible players include: Ernie Clement José Soriano Josh Smith Bowden Francis Spencer Arrighetti Louis Varland Nathan Lukes Davis Schneider Some projections say that Clement could earn approximately $7.5 million in 2027, while Soriano projects at $5.9 million, Smith at $3.725 million, and Varland at $3.2 million. The eight-player class carries a combined projected salary of approximately $26.2 million in one estimate. Clement is among the most important decisions because of his role in Toronto's infield. Soriano and Varland also represent significant investments in the pitching staff. Francis and Arrighetti present different considerations as Toronto evaluates its pitching depth and injury recoveries. Tendering contracts retains players' rights without settling their final salaries. Trades, non-tenders, and negotiated agreements can change the group before the arbitration process concludes. Winter Meetings, Draft Lottery, and Competitive Balance Picks Winter Meetings: December 7-9th — pending lockout. Scheduled Draft Lottery: December 8 — pending lockout. Scheduled Major League Rule 5 Draft: December 9 — pending lockout. Toronto's final draft position, potential compensation selections, and bonus allocations remain subject to official confirmation. The Blue Jays' draft outlook could also be affected by qualifying-offer decisions and any applicable penalties or compensation under the current agreement. Hall of Fame Voting: The Blue Jays Connection Former Toronto stars Carlos Delgado and José Bautista remain familiar names in discussions of the franchise's historical significance, while former Blue Jays players appearing on the current Hall of Fame ballot provide another offseason storyline. The official ballot should determine which former Toronto players are eligible for consideration in this voting cycle. January 19 has been reported as the election-results date. Hall of Fame voting operates separately from MLB transactions and potential labor restrictions. International Signing Period Expected opening: January 15, 2027 — pending lockout. Toronto's official international bonus pool, signing rules, and completed agreements remain subject to confirmation. The Blue Jays have invested heavily in international scouting and player development, making the opening of the signing period another important organizational date. Reported commitments are separate from completed signings. Spring Training in Dunedin Reporting dates: pending lockout. The Blue Jays are scheduled to begin Grapefruit League play on February 19 with split-squad games against the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates. Toronto will host the Yankees in Dunedin and visit Pittsburgh's spring home in Bradenton. The Blue Jays' spring schedule also includes a March 20 exhibition against Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field and a March 21 home game against Philadelphia. Spring Training will be particularly important for evaluating Toronto's rotation depth, the health of returning pitchers, and the competition for outfield and DH opportunities. Opening Day and the Return to Rogers Centre March 25: Scheduled season opener at the New York Yankees — pending lockout. April 2: Scheduled home opener against the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre — pending lockout. Toronto is scheduled to begin the season with a six-game road trip against the Yankees and Baltimore Orioles before returning home. The Blue Jays will also host Milwaukee from April 5–7, creating an early interleague matchup between the two clubs covered in these guides. First-pitch times and broadcast details remain subject to confirmation.
