Report: Blue Jays Were "Monitoring" Yoán Moncada's Market

On 1/21/2026 at 9:31 PM, Leo Morgenstern said:

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.

 

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I think the Moncada interest actually makes sense when you view it through a “raising the floor” lens rather than positional fit. Even with the injuries, a 117 wRC+ with an 11% walk rate is real offensive value, and that’s something this lineup could use more of, especially to avoid dead zones.

It was never really about Moncada replacing someone at third base. It was about adding another competent, above-average bat who lengthens the lineup and insulates the roster against regression or missed time elsewhere. That kind of player stabilizes things over 162 games.

The Okamoto signing obviously closed that door, but the fact the Jays were still monitoring Moncada suggests they’re not done thinking about offense. It reinforces the idea that they’re looking to raise the lineup’s floor - not just chase stars - and that another bat could still be in play if the right opportunity comes along.

But damn, I was getting tarred and feathered for suggesting this over the last week. Seems like Atkins and the front office have been thinking the same thing.