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  • Toronto Blue Jays Trade & Free Agent Rumors

    Follow the latest Toronto Blue Jays trade and free agent rumors, along with quick notes on the big league club, the minor leagues and the draft.
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    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
    The Toronto Blue Jays made their four-year, $60 million contract with NPB star Kazuma Okamoto official on Sunday, just before his posting window closed. A six-time NPB All-Star, Okamoto was one of the top hitters on the free agent market.
    data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== To make room for Okamoto on their 40-man roster, the Jays designated right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz for assignment. The 28-year-old has been in the organization since May 2021, when he arrived from the Brewers as the player to be named later to complete the Derek Fisher trade. The Jays had acquired Fisher two years earlier in a deal that sent Aaron Sanchez, Joe Biagini, and Cal Stevenson to the Astros. (You can read more about active Blue Jays trade strings at this link.)
    Schultz made his MLB debut with Toronto in 2025, pitching to a 4.38 ERA and 3.83 xERA over 24.2 innings. He struck out 28 batters (25.5%) and walked only eight (7.3%).
    In his very first outing, Schultz threw 4.1 innings of scoreless relief against the Mariners, striking out eight of the 16 hitters he faced. Unfortunately, he never looked that sharp again. Following a mid-summer IL stint with middle finger inflammation, the righty only made one more appearance for the major league club, a scoreless inning on August 24. He was recalled once more in September but did not pitch in a game, nor did he pitch for Toronto in the playoffs. 
    With all that in mind, it's not a shock to see Schultz DFA'd. He gave the Blue Jays some good innings in 2025, but roster spots are a valuable commodity. The Jays have significantly improved their pitching staff this offseason, not only with the likes of Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Tyler Rogers, but also more promising depth arms like Chase Lee and Spencer Miles. Eventually, Schultz became the odd man out. 
    If Schultz clears waivers, the Blue Jays will be able to outright him to the minors and keep him in their organization. However, considering the promise he flashed in 2025, it wouldn't be surprising to see another team put in a claim. 
    Featured image courtesy of Dan Hamilton, 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
    According to a report from Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, the Blue Jays have agreed to a two-year minor league contract with right-hander Josh Winckowski. He was cut by the Red Sox earlier this offseason.
    Winckowski, 27, will now return to the organization that selected him in the 2016 draft. He played the first four seasons of his professional career in the Blue Jays' system before he was traded to the Mets and Red Sox in quick succession during the 2020-21 offseason. The righty would go on to make his MLB debut for Boston in 2022. Since then, he has thrown 242.1 big league innings, all for the Red Sox, pitching to a 4.20 ERA and 4.36 xERA.
    After spending much of the 2025 season on the injured list with elbow inflammation, Winckowski underwent an internal brace procedure in December (per Adams). That will keep him out for most of 2026, which explains the two-year minor league contract, but Adams notes that Winckowski hopes to return before the end of the season. 
    Adams also mentions that the Blue Jays are planning to stretch Winckowski back out as a starter. He started 14 games as a rookie in 2022 but has primarily worked as a reliever since. However, he did start three games at Triple-A in 2025 and a handful of games at both the Triple-A and MLB levels the year before.
    Winckowski was the second pitcher the Blue Jays inked to a two-year minor league contract on New Year's Eve. Earlier in the day, they came to terms on a similar deal with fellow right-hander Nic Enright.
    Featured image courtesy of Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images.
    Leo Morgenstern
    According to ESPN's Alden González, the Blue Jays have agreed to a two-year minor league contract with reliever Nic Enright.
    Enright, 28, finally made it to the majors in 2025, after cancer treatment derailed his career from 2022-24. The right-hander threw 31 innings for the Guardians in his rookie campaign, pitching to a 2.03 ERA and 3.75 xERA. He collected his first MLB win, hold, and save, while striking out 30 and limiting opponents to a .618 OPS.
    Unfortunately, Enright hit the injured list in September and underwent Tommy John surgery in October, ending his 2026 season before it could begin. Hence, the two-year minor league contract: He'll spend next season rehabbing in the Blue Jays organization, and, hopefully, he'll be ready to compete for a role with the team in 2027.
    Featured image courtesy of Jerome Miron-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
    On Friday, the Associated Press reported that nine teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, will pay the competitive balance tax for the 2025 MLB season. Toronto's bill came in at $13,609,719 on a $286,135,551 CBT payroll.
    The Blue Jays avoided paying the luxury tax in 2024, so they were able to reset their penalties. That means that, unlike the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, Phillies, Astros, and Rangers, the Blue Jays did not face a higher charge for having exceeded the CBT threshold in consecutive seasons. However, they will still pay the fifth-highest luxury tax bill in the league, and their top pick in next year's draft will be moved back 10 spots because their payroll exceeded the third threshold of $281 million.
    In 2026, the third threshold will rise to $284 million, but the Blue Jays are already well past that number, according to RosterResource. With an estimated CBT payroll of around $294 million, there is a very good chance that Toronto will be over the fourth (and highest) luxury tax threshold by the end of next season. 
    Featured image courtesy of Nick Turchiaro, Imagn Images.
    Leo Morgenstern
    According to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi, the Toronto Blue Jays were awarded 24% of the $128.2 million postseason revenue player pool. That works out to approximately $30.8 million. 
    A full share of the pool was set at $354,118, and Davidi notes the Blue Jays gave out 70 full shares. That adds up to $24.8 million, suggesting the Jays gave out an additional $6 million in partial shares and/or special awards. 
    Covering the news for The Athletic, Dodgers beat writer Fabian Ardaya explains that most team staff members, "such as team media relations directors, grounds crew members, traveling secretaries and others," cannot receive shares, but the players can vote to give them cash awards instead. Team executives are not eligible for any payments from the postseason revenue pool.
    Featured image courtesy of Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images.
    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 Toronto Blue Jays confirmed their signing of reliever Tyler Rogers this evening. As reported, the contract is a three-year pact with a vesting option for 2029. The right-hander will earn a guaranteed $37 million over the course of the deal, including a $1 million buyout on the $12 million vesting option.
    To make room for Rogers on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays designated fellow reliever Justin Bruihl for assignment. The southpaw appeared in 15 games for Toronto this past season, allowing 10 runs (eight earned) in 13.2 innings. He struck out 18 but walked seven. Bruihl also gave up two runs (one earned) in his lone postseason appearance. 
    Given his poor performance in 2025, this DFA hardly comes as a surprise. However, losing Bruihl would be a hit to Toronto's left-handed relief depth. 
    If Bruihl passes through waivers, he will most likely elect free agency. If that happens, the Blue Jays could attempt to re-sign him on a minor league deal. 
    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.
    Leo Morgenstern
    Shoulder and back injuries kept Anthony Santander out for most of the 2025 season and playoffs. It was a disappointing start to his Blue Jays tenure.
    From 2022-24, the man known lovingly as Tony Taters hit 105 home runs for the Orioles, posting a 123 wRC+ and 8.1 FanGraphs WAR. In his first year with Toronto, the switch-hitter swatted just six homers in 54 games, with a 61 wRC+ and -0.9 fWAR. However, the Jays are hoping a healthy Santander can look more like the Silver Slugger they signed to a five-year, $92.5 million contract last winter.
    Manager John Schneider addressed reporters on Tuesday at the Winter Meetings. DiamondCentric's John Bonnes was on hand for the event.
    "Tony is going to be huge for us," said Schneider. "He's a big part of what we're doing."
    The skipper continued, "I've told him this: 'I don't want you to think you have to do anything you don't do well. You don't have to come back and hit .300 with 50 homers to make up for last year.' We need Tony to fit in the way we know he can when we signed him."
    As for the shoulder subluxation that forced Santander to the injured list in May and the back tightness that forced him off the ALCS roster in October, Scheider doesn't seem to be concerned.
    "Shoulder is good. Back is good. He's just feeling normal,"  the manager explained. He went on to express hope that Santander will have a regular spring training. Schneider acknowledged that the veteran is a "notorious slow starter," but seemed optimistic that he can "hit the ground running" in 2026.
    Featured image courtesy of Dan Hamilton, Imagn Images.
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