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    Trade and free agent rumors posted here.

    68 rumors in this category

      Leo Morgenstern

      Speaking to the Toronto Star's Mike Wilner, manager John Schneider divulged that the Blue Jays never had any intention of re-signing Bo Bichette to play shortstop. This new information conflicts with the front office's public messaging while Bichette was still a free agent.

      A week after the World Series ended, The Athletic's Mitch Bannon wrote: "The Jays, [GM Ross] Atkins said, are comfortable with [Andrés] Giménez as their long-term shortstop, if needed...If Bichette is set on a return to shortstop, though, the Jays are open to that configuration, too."

      Yet, per Schneider's latest comments, the team didn't take long to inform Giménez that he would not be returning to second base. “We communicated that to him in November so he could get physically ready for it,” the skipper explained.

      It's not surprising that the Jays wanted Giménez to be their shortstop, whether they re-signed Bichette or not. Giménez has been the best defensive second baseman in MLB for the past four seasons, and he proved last fall that he could handle the transition to short. Bichette, meanwhile, was arguably the worst defensive shortstop in the league last year, and he ended up signing with the Mets to play third base. 

      Still, it's interesting to learn that Giménez's full-time move to shortstop was always the plan. Bichette's bat will be missed, but there's no doubt that Toronto's up-the-middle alignment of Giménez, Ernie Clement, Alejandro Kirk, and Daulton Varsho (plus Tyler Heineman and Myles Straw on the bench) will be one of the team's biggest strengths in 2026. 

      Leo Morgenstern

      Speaking to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi at spring training, Blue Jays manager John Schneider addressed his contract status. The team exercised its option for his services in 2026 last spring, but he will become a free agent next winter without a new deal.

      “We're talking,” Schneider told Davidi, regarding the possibility of an extension. He went on to express that there is "nowhere else" he'd rather be – and the team knows how he feels.

      "We've had some discussions about it, and if there's a way to do it for both sides that makes sense, that'd be great...We'll continue to talk, and there's no place I'd rather be than with this group," said Schneider.

      After the World Series, general manager Ross Atkins told reporters he was discussing an extension with Schneider. Evidently, those conversations are still ongoing.

      As Davidi notes, Atkins is also in the final year of his contract, while president Mark Shapiro recently signed a five-year extension. Given the Blue Jays' success in 2025, and their aspirations for the coming year, it would be highly surprising if Shapiro lets his GM and manager go through the season in a lame duck position. However, Schneider said that he is currently "focused on right here, right now," rather than worrying about his status for 2027 and beyond.
      Leo Morgenstern

      Speaking to Sportnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith, Toronto Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins said that the team is "not significantly" involved in the outfield market. This comes in light of the news that Anthony Santander could miss the next five to six months recovering from shoulder surgery. 

      While Santander's injury news was a shock, this update from Atkins isn't altogether surprising. The Blue Jays have no shortage of healthy outfielders on their 40-man roster, including Daulton Varsho, Addison Barger, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider, and Myles Straw.

      Varsho will be the everyday center fielder, with Straw as his backup. Manager John Schneider told Nicholson-Smith today that he expects Barger to get the majority of the reps in right field, while Lukes and Davis Schneider will platoon in left. The skipper also suggested that George Springer will be an option for the outfield as needed. 

      There will be a spot up for grabs on Toronto's bench, which could go to another outfielder (likely Joey Loperfido), but an infielder might make more sense. Leo Jiménez is already on the 40-man roster, while Josh Kasevich is another name to keep an eye on. One more player to follow will be outfielder RJ Schreck. He isn't on the 40-man, but Atkins told MLB.com's Keegan Matheson that he's particularly excited to watch Schreck in spring training.

      Leo Morgenstern

      Last week, Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Toronto Blue Jays were interested in signing Framber Valdez, shortly before the All-Star left-hander inked a three-year, $115 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.

      After Valdez signed with Detroit, Heyman noted that Max Scherzer was "back on [Toronto's] radar." He also wondered if the Jays might pursue Zac Gallen or Chris Bassitt, though only the link to Scherzer was more than speculative. 

      Adding another starting pitcher would further complicate an already overcrowded rotation picture. The Blue Jays might have been willing to do that for Valdez, but none of Gallen, Bassitt, or Scherzer is the same calibre of pitcher. It's no guarantee any of them would be an upgrade over Toronto's internal options. 

      However, Scherzer has expressed a willingness to wait to sign until after Opening Day (per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal). So, at least it makes sense why the Jays are staying in touch with the three-time Cy Young winner. They might not have a job for him right now, but Scherzer could be a nice backup plan if any of Toronto's other starting pitchers suffer injuries in the next few months.

      Leo Morgenstern

      According to Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Toronto Blue Jays are one of "several teams" interested in free agent left-hander Framber Valdez. 

      Valdez, 32, has been one of the most consistent frontline starters in the league over the past six years, with a 3.23 ERA and an MLB-leading 73 wins since 2020. His 973 innings rank fifth among pitchers, while his 20.3 FanGraphs WAR ranks sixth. Without a doubt, Valdez is the top free agent left unsigned.

      There is no question that Valdez would make the Blue Jays better. Indeed, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reported earlier this year that the Jays met with the southpaw at the GM Meetings in November, but that was before they signed Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract. They later signed Cody Ponce, creating a logjam in the rotation we've all been talking about ever since. 

      Presumably, Toronto's renewed interest in Valdez indicates that his asking price has dropped substantially. With a week to go before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, it's hard to believe he'll still be able to command the five-year, $150 million deal DiamondCentric expected him to sign earlier this winter.

      The Blue Jays might not really have room for Valdez, and he clearly wasn't their top priority, but if his price is low enough, Ross Atkins and John Schneider can figure out how to make it work. Valdez may be on the wrong side of 30, and the character concerns are well-founded, but he's also a multi-time All-Star with significant postseason experience. If this front office was willing to give Kyle Tucker a 10-year contract, there is surely a number at which they'd pull the trigger on Valdez. 

      Leo Morgenstern

      According to reporter Francys Romero, the Toronto Blue Jays were among the teams "most closely monitoring" free agent Yoán Moncada's market before he ultimately re-signed with the Los Angeles Angels. Romero notes that the Pirates and Red Sox had also shown interest in the third baseman. 

      About a month ago, Romero reported that Toronto had expressed "early interest" in Moncada. However, that was before they signed Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal. Like Moncada, Okamoto's primary position is third base. 

      Moncada, 30, played in 84 games for the Angels in 2025. He hit .234 with 12 home runs and an 11.1% walk rate, finishing with a 117 wRC+. Thumb and knee injuries cut into his playing time; IL stints have been a recurring theme throughout the switch-hitter's career.

      It wasn't entirely clear how Moncada would have made sense for the Blue Jays even before they signed Okamoto. So, the suggestion that they were still keeping an eye on him is more than a little surprising. Nevertheless, Romero's report is at least an indication that the Blue Jays might not be finished adding to their offense this winter. 

      Featured image courtesy of Kirby Lee, Imagn Images.

      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!

      Leo Morgenstern

      On Wednesday, ESPN's Jeff Passan told Sportsnet Central that the Blue Jays "have really been the only team that has shown the willingness to go as deep as 10 years, potentially," on a contract for top free agent Kyle Tucker.

      ESPN had previously reported that the Jays made "a long-term offer" to Tucker, and Passan's latest comments offer a bit more insight into what "long-term" could mean.

      The Mets, likely Tucker's other top suitor, seem to prefer a shorter-term deal. Most recently, the New York Post's Mike Puma reported that the Mets had "a four-year offer on the table" for Tucker.

      While Tucker's free agency has been a slow-moving process to this point, Passan mentioned that the All-Star outfielder could be ready to sign by the end of this week. Then, this morning, the New York Post's Jon Heyman reported that Tucker could sign "as soon as today." 

      Featured image courtesy of David Banks, Imagn Images.

      Leo Morgenstern

      According to a report from ESPN, the Toronto Blue Jays have made "a long-term offer" to Kyle Tucker, the offseason's top free agent. It's no secret that the Blue Jays are interested in Tucker, but this is the first indication that they have made him a formal offer.

      While no deal is imminent, and no further details have been made available, it's an exciting development nonetheless. That the Jays made an offer demonstrates the front office is still actively seeking upgrades, and ownership is willing to continue increasing payroll.

      Of course, Toronto isn't alone in pursuing Tucker. ESPN's Jesse Rogers and FanSided's Robert Murray both reported that the New York Mets offered Tucker a short-term deal "believed to be worth $50 million per season." The Mets and Blue Jays currently seem to be the frontrunners for Tucker's services.

      Featured image courtesy of Troy Taormina, Imagn Images.

      Leo Morgenstern

      According to The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon, the Blue Jays have “increased their efforts to recruit [Kyle] Tucker.” He adds that “Toronto’s interest in the 28-year-old is clear,” noting that the Jays have become “more aggressive” in their pursuit.

      To that point, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reports that the team has had “recent dialogue” with Tucker regarding the “parameters” of a contract.

      While recent reports seem to suggest that the Blue Jays would prefer Tucker to Bo Bichette, Nicholson-Smith writes that dialogue also “remains open” between the Jays and their long-time shortstop.

      Asked about the possibility of re-signing Bichette today during Kazuma Okamoto's introductory press conference, general manager Ross Atkins had this to say: "If there’s an opportunity to think about improving the organization, we’re going to always lean into creative ways to do so" (per Nicholson-Smith).

      Featured image courtesy of Kyle Ross, Imagn Images.

      Leo Morgenstern

      The Blue Jays will introduce Kazuma Okamoto at a press conference today at 1:00 pm ET. Joining Toronto's new free agent signing will be his agent, Scott Boras, and Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins.

      One topic that's likely to come up at the presser is Okamoto's position. He was primarily a third baseman in NPB but also has experience at first base and in the outfield. Opinions about his skills at the hot corner range, with some evaluators believing he'll be just fine at the position in MLB and others suggesting he really belongs at the cold corner instead. As for his outfield defense, one source told The Athletic's Will Sammon that Okamoto "could be helpful in the outfield, given the right situation with limited ground to cover."

      On Monday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote about Okamoto and the Blue Jays. He mentioned that the Jays "still want to add another power hitter" and that they "remain fully engaged in talks" with top free agents Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, and Alex Bregman. That lines up with additional reporting that suggests the Blue Jays aren't necessarily done making moves.

      Nightengale also threw in an interesting new nugget. "Their preference," he writes. "Is to make Okamoto a superutility player."

      It makes sense that the Blue Jays wouldn't want to lock Okamoto into one position. After all, they have two other capable third basemen, Addison Barger and Ernie Clement; a full-time first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.; and several options for the corner outfield, including Barger, Anthony Santander, Nathan Lukes, and George Springer. Being ready to play numerous positions will help Okamoto get as many at-bats as possible, and more lineup flexibility is never a bad thing from a team perspective, either. 

      The question, however, is whether or not Okamoto is a strong enough defender to be able to handle such a role. Evidently, the Blue Jays think so. Either that, or they liked his bat (and his price) too much to pass up on him, and they're going to find a way to make things work defensively. 

      Featured image courtesy of Darren Yamashita, Imagn Images.

      Leo Morgenstern

      According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Toronto Blue Jays are still seen as the frontrunners to sign top free agent Kyle Tucker, even after signing Kazuma Okamoto.

      "Toronto remains the favorite to land Tucker," explains Feinsand, relaying information from sources. However, he adds that "the Mets can't be counted out." As for the Yankees, Feinsand believes Bellinger is their preferred target, presuming they're "prepared to spend big" at all.

      Adding fuel to this fire, FanSided's MLB insider Robert Murray also believes the Blue Jays remain a suitor for Tucker: "He is one of the options that they're considering, and they're one of the teams that he's considering as well."

      On the flip side, Sportnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith suggests that, while the Jays aren't likely to rule anything out, they no longer look like the very best candidate to give Tucker the long-term deal he's looking for. "Now I would say that's the Mets," he adds.

      Having said that, Nicholson-Smith does speculate that Tucker and the Blue Jays could be more likely to strike a deal if he's willing to sign a shorter contract with a high average annual value.

      What do Blue Jays fans think about the team going all-in to sign Kyle Tucker? Would you only do it on a shorter-term deal? Or would you rather the Jays forget Tucker and prioritize Bo Bichette? Chime in with your thoughts below.

      Featured image courtesy of David Banks, Imagn Images.

      Leo Morgenstern

      In a Bluesky post about free agent Kazuma Okamoto, Sportsnet reporter Ben Nicholson-Smith noted that the Blue Jays have a big presence in the Pacific Rim and make it a point to learn about all free agents coming from NPB and the KBO. However, their level of interest in Okamoto in particular is not currently clear.

      One way or another, we'll soon find out if the Jays are going to sign the six-time NPB All-Star; his posting window closes on Sunday at 5:00 pm. 

      If the Blue Jays don't sign Okamoto, it might take a little longer to find out if they'll sign another free agent bat. To that point, Nicholson-Smith mentioned that it's "not a lock" they sign a bat at all.

      Toronto has been linked to many of the top hitters on the free agent market, including Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, and Alex Bregman. Nicholson-Smith confirms that the Jays are still "in contact" with representatives for all three of those players as well as "others," although he does not specify who those others might be.

      All that to say, Nicholson-Smith isn't suggesting that the Blue Jays wouldn't love to add another impact bat to their lineup. His point is simply that they might not be planning to do so at all costs.

      What do Jays fans think about this rumor? Will you consider the offseason a disappointment if the team doesn't sign one of the top free agent bats? Voice your thoughts in the comments below.

      Featured image courtesy of Brad Penner, Imagn Images.

      Leo Morgenstern

      Blue Jays star George Springer was among the MLB players included on Team Puerto Rico's 35-man preliminary roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. However, Antolín Maldonado Ríos of Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Día reports that Springer will not play in the tournament after all.

      According to the report, "Springer atribuyó su decisión a una lesión." ("Springer attributed his decision to an injury.")

      Presumably (read: hopefully), this is not a new injury issue, and Springer simply wants as much time as possible to fully recover from the various ailments that he played through this past year.

      Springer is eligible to play for Puerto Rico, the United States, and Panama in the World Baseball Classic, but he has never participated in the tournament.

      Featured image courtesy of Nick Turchiaro, Imagn Images.

      Leo Morgenstern

      Add another name to the list of infielders the Toronto Blue Jays have checked in on this winter: Yoán Moncada. According to reporter Francys Romero, the Blue Jays have shown "early interest" in the 30-year-old third baseman, as have the Angels, Pirates, and White Sox.

      Moncada briefly debuted with the Red Sox in 2016 before he was traded to the White Sox as part of the package for Chris Sale. He spent the next eight years of his career with the South Siders. For one shining season in 2019, he looked like the generational superstar the White Sox thought they were trading for, but for the most part, he struggled with injuries and underperformance. 

      Injuries (thumb and knee) continued to plague Moncada in 2025 with the Angels, but when he was on the field, he played reasonably well, hitting 12 home runs in 84 games, with a .783 OPS and 117 wRC+. Although he's a switch-hitter, Moncada has always been worse against left-handed pitching, and the Angels largely shielded him from southpaws. However, he was a legitimately productive hitter facing righties from the left-hand side. For what it's worth, the Blue Jays would reportedly like to add a lefty bat.

      That said, it's worth wondering if the Blue Jays really have enough at-bats to offer a player like Moncada. GM Ross Atkins might be just doing his due diligence on the infield market. After all, the Jays already have a much more promising lefty-batting third baseman in Addison Barger. 

      The big-name infielders the Blue Jays have checked in on include Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman (link), Ketel Marte (link), and Kazuma Okamoto (link). Each of those players would be a substantial upgrade for Toronto's offense. As for Moncada, it's not a given that he would be enough of an upgrade to be worth his taking playing time away from the likes of Barger, Ernie Clement, Andrés Giménez, and Davis Schneider, Toronto's current infield alignment.

      So, what do Blue Jays fans think? Is this nothing more than smoke, or would you like to see Toronto make a serious offer to Yoán Moncada? Share your thoughts in our comments section below.

      Featured image courtesy of Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images. 

      Brock Beauchamp

      During the Winter Meetings, it was speculated that third baseman Alex Bregman could be a fallback option if the Blue Jays fail to sign Bo Bichette. Now, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Bregman could be a primary target for Toronto.

      Toronto’s winter to date has largely centered on pitching. The club added Dylan Cease on a seven-year deal, signed Tyler Rogers and Cody Ponce, and acquired Chase Lee in a trade.

      Bregman turns 32 in 2026, coming off two productive seasons. In 2024 (age 30), he played 145 games and logged 634 plate appearances for Houston, hitting .260/.315/.453 with 26 homers. His wOBA was .331, his wRC+ was 117, and he finished at 4.2 fWAR. In 2025 (age 31) with Boston, he appeared in 114 games and had 495 plate appearances, batting .273/.360/.462 with 18 homers. He posted a .356 wOBA, a 125 wRC+, and 3.5 fWAR. His 2024 BB% was 6.9% and his K% was 13.6%. In 2025, his BB% was 10.3% and his K% was 14.1%.

      Leo Morgenstern

      From his debut in 2019 until his triumphant return for the 2025 World Series, Bo Bichette had never played anywhere other than shortstop in his major league career. However, after he played a handful of games at second base in the Fall Classic, it seems there might be more of the keystone in his future. 

      Earlier today, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that Bichette has informed teams that he is, in Feinsand's words, "ready, willing and able" to make the move to second full-time.

      Defense has never been Bichette's strong suit, and it doesn't come as any surprise that some (or perhaps even most) of his potential suitors would prefer that he change positions. What's more noteworthy is that Bichette is prepared to make that change.

      Ross Atkins suggested earlier this winter that, if playing shortstop were a sticking point for Bichette, it would not deter the Blue Jays from re-signing him. Still, this is a significant development for Toronto. On the one hand, Bichette's preparedness to switch positions can only drive up his price. On the other hand, it might be good news for the Jays if they were hoping to play Andrés Giménez at shortstop full-time in 2026 and beyond.

      Featured image courtesy of Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images.

      Leo Morgenstern

      The Blue Jays already have the kind of rotation depth most teams can only dream of, with Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce, José Berríos, and Eric Lauer on their starting pitching depth chart. Yet, Sportnet's Shi Davidi and Ben Nicholson-Smith suggest they might not be finished bolstering that group.

      According to Davidi and Nicholson-Smith, the Jays are "open to adding further pitching capable of starting." One name they're interested in – who should be 'capable of starting' – is Brad Keller. 

      The right-hander pitched out of the Cubs' bullpen in 2025, making 68 appearances with a 2.07 ERA and 2.93 FIP. However, he was primarily a starter for the first several years of his career. Pitching for the Royals from 2018-23, Keller started 114 games with a 4.28 ERA and 4.35 FIP. He averaged 5.2 IP per start.

      Last month, Joel Sherman of The New York Post reported that Keller was generating interest "as both a starter and reliever." It's not hard to see why. He revitalized his career as a full-time reliever last year. It's tantalizing to think about him maintaining some of that newfound dominance while taking on a starter's workload.

      For the Blue Jays, Keller would only transition back to the rotation as a last resort. In a best-case scenario, he would take on a high-leverage bullpen role and repeat his success from 2025. He would only need to stretch out if multiple names ahead of him on the depth chart suffered injuries. Still, the fact that he could stretch out in such a way would make him a nice insurance policy. 

      If Keller is looking for a team that's going to give him a guaranteed opportunity to start again, the Blue Jays are out of luck. But if he's willing to start the year in the bullpen while staying prepared to stretch out if needed, he could be just the pickup this pitching staff needs.

      Featured image courtesy of Matt Marton, Imagn Images.

      Leo Morgenstern

      According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Blue Jays are considering trading one of their surplus outfielders for a reliever. Rosenthal and Sammon named Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw, and Joey Loperfido as the most likely trade chips.

      Addison Barger, Davis Schneider, or even Daulton Varsho would bring back a stronger return, but that's precisely why the Jays would be less inclined to trade them. Varsho will be the everyday center fielder in 2026, while Barger and Schneider are promising bats with the flexibility to play both the infield and the outfield.

      Rosenthal and Sammon's report shouldn't come as a surprise. The Jays have a bit of a logjam as it is on their outfield depth chart, and they're likely to add at least one more bat before the offseason is done. Speaking to reporters, including our own John Bonnes, at the Winter Meetings, manager John Schneider said he'd like the team to add "a bat of some sort."

      Schneider also identified the arm barn as an area of need. He said that adding a "high-leverage bullpen arm" is a priority. So, it stands to reason that the team would look to solve two problems at once. GM Ross Atkins could clear up the outfield logjam and bolster the bullpen in one transaction. 

      Of course, that doesn't mean the Blue Jays will be eager to part with any of their outfielders. Lukes and Straw were key contributors to last year's squad. They would be missed on the field and in the clubhouse. Trading Loperfido would mean selling low on a former top prospect. 

      What's more, if Atkins is really hoping to land a high-leverage reliever, he would need to throw one or more prospects into a potential deal as well. 

      So, what do Jays fans think of this rumour? Will the team trade an outfielder this winter, and if so, which one? Share your thoughts in the comments.

      Featured image courtesy of Kevin Sousa, Imagn Images.

      Brock Beauchamp

      Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet has reported that the Blue Jays are interested in Robert Suarez, one of the top relievers in this free agent class. Nicholson-Smith says that the interest has not yet moved into negotiations.

      The 2025 Blue Jays bullpen finished the regular season with a bullpen FIP- of 94, ranked 5th among MLB relief units. Jeff Hoffman handled the ninth inning, with Seranthony Domínguez, Yariel Rodríguez, Louis Varland, and Brendon Little working the highest-leverage situations. Over the final month of the regular season, Toronto relievers posted a 3.42 ERA and 3.60 FIP, ranking ninth and seventh in the league, respectively. 

      Suarez has four MLB seasons with San Diego, beginning in 2022. From 2022 through 2025, he threw 210 innings, striking out 219 batters. In 2025, he appeared in 70 games and pitched 69 2/3 innings, with a 2.97 ERA, 2.88 FIP, 75 strikeouts, and 40 saves.

      Leo Morgenstern

      Add the Toronto Blue Jays to the list of teams that have checked in on six-time NPB All-Star Kazuma Okamoto. In addition to the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates, the Blue Jays reportedly have interest in signing the slugging infielder, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

      Okamoto, 29, is DiamondCentric's no. 15 free agent this winter, projected to sign a four-year, $68 million contract. He has been one of NPB's most prolific sluggers over the last eight years, leading the Central League in home runs three times. Some evaluators have questions about his third base defense, suggesting he really belongs at first base or DH, but he would need to stick at the hot corner to make sense for the Blue Jays.

      The Yomiuri Giants posted Okamoto in mid-November, giving him until January 4 at 5:00 pm ET to sign with an MLB club. That date is significant, because the Blue Jays might not know by then whether or not they will be able to re-sign star shortstop Bo Bichette.

      So, what do you think about this rumour? Would you like to see the Blue Jays pursue Okamoto, or should they look elsewhere to upgrade the offense? Voice your thoughts in the comments below.

      Featured image courtesy of Darren Yamashita, Imagn Images.

      Leo Morgenstern

      After signing Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to kick off their offseason, the Blue Jays find themselves with a surplus of starting pitchers. Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Trey Yesavage are locks for the 2026 rotation, as is Cease. That leaves one spot left for Ponce and José Berríos, unless the Jays are planning to use a six-man cycle. 

      Berríos, who has started more games than any other pitcher in MLB over the last eight years, has three years and just over $64 million remaining on his contract. Yet, it seems unlikely the Jays would have committed $30 million to Ponce, the reigning KBO MVP, if they weren't going to give him a chance to start. 

      One way to clear up the rotation logjam could be a trade, and to that point, The Athletic's Mitch Bannon reports that the Blue Jays are "willing to listen" to trade offers for Berríos. That doesn't mean a deal is likely, especially since Berríos is coming off a down year that ended with an elbow injury. In other words, it might be hard to find a taker for the veteran and his contract. Still, a Berríos trade is now a possibility that Jays fans must at least consider. 

      So, do you think the Jays should shop Berríos? Which teams do you think might be interested, and what would you be looking for in return? Have your say in the comments below!

      Featured image courtesy of John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images.

      Matthew Lenz

      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!

      Leo Morgenstern

      Speaking on MLB Network yesterday, Jon Morosi reported that the Arizona Diamondbacks are "actively listening" to trade offers for All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte. He added that no deal is imminent, but multiple teams have checked in, including the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays.

      As Morosi points out, Marte has limited no-trade rights in his contract with Arizona (a deal that runs through 2030, with a player option for 2031). However, neither Philadelphia nor Toronto is on the list of teams to whom he could reject a trade.

      So, how do Jays fans feel about the club potentially trading for Marte? Do you think it's a realistic possibility? Would you be happy to have Marte in Toronto if it means Bo Bichette is signing elsewhere? Have your say in the comments below.

      Featured image courtesy of Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

      Matthew Lenz

      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!

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