The Toronto Blue Jays came into this offseason with a clear message: they’re not here to take part - they’re here to take over. After a strong start to the winter, the Jays made a serious push to land All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, hoping to add another major piece to a roster that’s already seen significant upgrades.
For a while, Toronto looked like one of the frontrunners to land Tucker. But in the end, he chose the bright lights of Los Angeles, signing with the Dodgers and leaving the Jays just short of a blockbuster finish.
Still, let’s not overlook what Toronto has accomplished. The Jays kicked off their offseason by locking down Dylan Cease, a move that immediately bolstered their rotation with a high-strikeout arm who can eat innings and miss bats.
Then came the signing of Kazuma Okamoto - a versatile slugger with the potential to make an immediate impact in the middle of the order. That move may have signaled a shift in the team’s plans for Bo Bichette, but it didn’t stop the front office from staying aggressive on the Tucker front until the very end.
Toronto wasn’t alone in the Tucker sweepstakes. The Mets and Dodgers were both in the mix late, but the Blue Jays always felt like a natural landing spot.
Tucker spent 2025 with the Cubs, where he had stretches of MVP-level production and earned an All-Star nod. But the back half of the season was rocky.
Injuries slowed him down, and how he handled those setbacks - including leaving the team late in the year to seek treatment from his personal training staff - raised eyebrows in Chicago. It wasn’t the smoothest ending to what had been a promising year.
Had the Blue Jays landed Tucker, it would’ve turned up the pressure on the Baltimore Orioles in a big way. Toronto’s already had a strong winter, but adding a bat like Tucker’s - a left-handed power threat with postseason experience - would’ve been a statement that the AL East crown is up for grabs. Instead, the Orioles catch a bit of a break, and their own offseason moves look even more critical now.
To their credit, Baltimore hasn’t stood still. The Orioles made a splash by signing Pete Alonso, giving their lineup a major jolt of right-handed power.
They also took a calculated risk by trading for Shane Baz, a high-upside arm who could be a difference-maker if healthy. In the bullpen, they added Ryan Helsley to lock down late innings, and Taylor Ward brings more pop and depth to the outfield.
It’s been an active and ambitious winter for Mike Elias and company.
But even with all those additions, there’s still a sense that something’s missing - namely, a true ace. Baz has the potential, and the return of Zach Eflin helps, but if the Orioles are serious about keeping pace with Toronto over a full 162-game grind, they may need one more frontline starter to anchor the rotation.
That kind of arm doesn't come cheap, and the market is thinning. Ranger Suárez, one of the more appealing options, is now off the board after signing with Boston.
The Blue Jays missing out on Tucker keeps the division race tight, but it also opens the door for Baltimore to make another move and solidify their status as a true contender. If there’s another big swing left in the Orioles’ offseason plans, now’s the time to take it. The AL East is shaping up to be a dogfight, and every upgrade matters.
Toronto may have missed their final punch, but they’re far from out. And if Baltimore wants to stay toe-to-toe, they’ll need to keep swinging.