The Toronto Blue Jays came heartbreakingly close to a World Series title last season, and they’ve spent this offseason trying to make sure they don’t fall just short again. But the road back to October glory won’t be without its challenges.
Two major hits have already landed: the departure of Bo Bichette and a swing-and-miss on Kyle Tucker. That’s a tough one-two punch for a team that’s been building toward a championship window.
Now, with George Springer entering the final year of his contract, Toronto finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The front office has shown it's not afraid to go big, and the next move could be just that.
One name that’s starting to float into the conversation? Bryce Harper.
Harper recently made some eyebrow-raising comments about his situation in Philadelphia, and it’s enough to raise the question: could the Blue Jays make a play for the Phillies’ superstar?
There’s reason to believe they might. Toronto has consistently been aggressive in its pursuit of elite talent, and trades offer them more flexibility than free agency, where factors like location and taxes can complicate negotiations. In Harper’s case, the fit makes more sense than it might appear at first glance.
Yes, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is locked in at first base, but Harper has experience in right field and could easily slide into a designated hitter role - especially with Springer potentially on the way out after this season. That kind of versatility only adds to his value in a lineup that’s now missing Bichette’s bat.
And speaking of bats, Harper’s still got plenty of pop. In 132 games last season, he posted a .261/.357/.487 slash line with 32 doubles, 27 home runs, and 75 RBIs.
That’s the kind of production that doesn’t just replace Bichette - it elevates the lineup. Pair Harper’s left-handed power with Guerrero Jr.’s right-handed thunder, and suddenly the Jays are back in business offensively, with a middle of the order that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the league.
Then there’s the contract. Harper’s 13-year, $330 million deal, signed back in 2019, is aging better than many expected.
He’s set to earn between $23.5 and $27.5 million annually over the final six years - a relative bargain for a player of his caliber in today’s market. That kind of financial certainty, combined with his proven playoff pedigree, makes him an even more attractive target for a team looking to stay in the contender conversation.
Of course, pulling off a trade of this magnitude is never simple. The Phillies would have to be willing to move on from one of their franchise cornerstones, and the Blue Jays would need to part with significant assets. But if Harper is even remotely available, Toronto has every reason to make the call.
They’ve built a roster capable of winning now. And if they want to finish what they started last October, adding someone like Bryce Harper could be the bold swing that gets them there.