The Toronto Blue Jays came into this offseason with a chance to make a major statement. After a strong winter of moves, the buzz around the club reached another level when they were linked to both Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette - two potential lineup-changing additions.
But as the dust settles, neither deal materialized. Tucker didn’t land in Toronto, and Bichette won’t be making a return.
And while that stings for a fanbase hungry for a deep October run, the offseason isn’t over just yet.
The Jays still have a path to turn this winter into a game-changer. If they want to go all-in, there are two trades that could not only erase the disappointment of missing out on Tucker or Bichette - they could elevate this team into true World Series contender status.
1. Go get Mason Miller - and lock down the ninth inning
Let’s start in the bullpen, where Toronto has had its share of late-game heartbreak over the past two seasons. Blown saves have been a recurring issue - 23 of them in each of the last two years - and while Jeff Hoffman eventually found some rhythm, the Blue Jays still lack a true, dominant closer.
Enter Mason Miller.
The Padres’ flamethrowing right-hander isn’t just good - he’s elite. Miller has been lights out since stepping onto a big-league mound, featuring a fastball that routinely touches 100 mph and a wipeout slider that leaves hitters guessing.
Over the past two seasons, he’s ranked in the 100th percentile in expected batting average, fastball velocity, whiff rate, and strikeout rate. That’s not just dominance - that’s video game stuff.
With a career ERA of 2.81, a 0.96 WHIP, and 246 strikeouts in just 160 innings, Miller is already drawing comparisons to some of the all-time greats. Think Trevor Hoffman or Mariano Rivera - but with even more swing-and-miss in his arsenal.
If the Blue Jays were to make a move for Miller, they’d be adding their most electric closer since the days of Tom Henke and Duane Ward. He wouldn’t just stabilize the back end of the bullpen - he’d slam the door shut.
Every. Single.
Time.
And here’s the kicker: adding Miller wouldn’t just be about the ninth inning. His presence would elevate the entire pitching staff.
With a true stopper in the bullpen, the Jays could manage innings more aggressively, shorten games, and take pressure off the rotation. It’s a ripple effect that could transform the entire staff into one of the league’s best.
2. Swing big for Tarik Skubal - and anchor the rotation with an ace
Now if the Blue Jays want to make an even louder statement - one that echoes through the AL East and across the league - they could turn their attention to Detroit and make a run at Tarik Skubal.
Skubal isn’t just another solid arm. He’s been the best pitcher in baseball over the past two seasons, and he’s got the hardware to prove it: back-to-back Cy Young Awards, AL ERA leader two years running, MLB strikeout king in 2024 with 228 punchouts, and WHIP leader in 2025 at a jaw-dropping 0.89. This is a guy in his prime - just 29 years old - and still getting better.
The Tigers are in a tough spot. Skubal’s arbitration situation has created some uncertainty, and with his next contract projected to be the richest ever handed to a pitcher, Detroit may be forced to consider trade offers. That opens the door for a team like Toronto, who suddenly has money to spend after missing out on Tucker.
Yes, it would cost a haul. Prospects like Trey Yesavage would almost certainly be part of the package. But when you have a chance to land the best pitcher in the game, you don’t hesitate - especially if you're trying to win now.
Adding Skubal would give the Blue Jays their most dominant starter since Roy Halladay. He’s the kind of ace who can carry a team through October. And if Toronto were to follow up a trade by locking him into a long-term extension, they’d be setting themselves up for sustained success - not just in 2026, but for years to come.
A new path forward
Missing out on Tucker and Bichette hurts - no doubt about it. Those were potential franchise-altering moves.
But the offseason isn’t about one or two names. It’s about building a complete, championship-caliber roster.
And if the Blue Jays pivot and go bold on the trade market, they could still come out of this winter as one of the most dangerous teams in baseball.
Mason Miller would close the door. Tarik Skubal would open every series. And together, they’d give Toronto the kind of pitching foundation that wins in October.
In the end, if the Blue Jays land either one - or both - fans might not be talking about missed opportunities. They might just be talking about parades.