The Toronto Blue Jays just hit their first real snag of the 2025-26 offseason - and it’s a tough one.
In a span of days, the Jays lost three key players to injuries that could have major implications for their season. Outfielder Anthony Santander is expected to miss more than half the 2026 campaign after undergoing surgery on a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Shane Bieber, one of the team’s marquee pitching additions, is dealing with forearm fatigue and will miss the start of the season. And Bowden Francis, a valuable depth arm, is out for the entire year following UCL reconstruction surgery.
That’s a brutal trio of blows, especially this late in the offseason when most of the top-tier free agents are already off the board. The Blue Jays did make a move to shore up the outfield by acquiring Jesús Sánchez from Houston, but it’s fair to wonder if that’s enough. With some hindsight, it’s clear there were a few free agents who could’ve helped Toronto weather this storm - and now, they might be regretting not pulling the trigger.
Let’s break down three players who would’ve made a big difference in light of these injuries.
Framber Valdez - A Rotation Anchor They Could’ve Used
With Francis out and Bieber’s status uncertain, Toronto’s rotation depth suddenly looks a little thin. That wouldn’t be the case if they had landed Framber Valdez, who was reportedly on their radar earlier in the offseason.
Valdez, now with the Detroit Tigers, has been one of the most consistent and durable starters in baseball over the past few seasons. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2020, he’s gone 73-44 with a 3.23 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, and racked up 951 strikeouts in 973 innings. That’s not just good - that’s frontline ace material.
Adding Valdez to a rotation that already includes Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease would’ve given the Blue Jays one of the most formidable trios in the league. And if Bieber needs more time to get right, Valdez could’ve provided the kind of stability and innings-eating presence that’s hard to find this time of year.
Instead, Toronto’s going to have to rely on internal options or hope for a mid-season trade to plug the gap. That’s a risky bet for a team with postseason aspirations.
Cody Bellinger - A Missed Opportunity in the Outfield
With Santander sidelined until at least July, the Blue Jays are suddenly short on proven outfield production. Enter Cody Bellinger - or rather, don’t, because he’s back with the Yankees on a five-year deal.
Bellinger would’ve been a near-perfect fit for what Toronto needs right now. He’s a former MVP and Rookie of the Year who brings a rare blend of power, speed, and defense.
In a full 162-game season, he averages 97 runs, 32 homers, 97 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases, all while slashing a solid .261/.817 OPS. That’s elite-level production from a player who can also handle center field, right field, and even first base.
Last season with the Yankees, Bellinger posted a .272/.334/.480 slash line with 29 homers and 98 RBIs across 152 games. He also flashed the leather with 12 Defensive Runs Saved and six outfield assists. That’s the kind of two-way impact player who could’ve helped fill the void left by Santander - and then some.
Now, the Blue Jays not only miss out on Bellinger’s production, they’ll have to face him multiple times a year as a division rival. That’s a tough pill to swallow.
Kyle Tucker - The Star That Got Away
If there was one player who could’ve dramatically shifted the Blue Jays’ outlook - both for 2026 and beyond - it was Kyle Tucker. The former Astros star was the crown jewel of this year’s free-agent class, and he would’ve been a franchise-altering addition for Toronto.
Tucker, now with the Dodgers, is the kind of player you build around. He’s 29, entering his prime, and already proven to be one of the most complete outfielders in the game. He’s capable of putting up 100 runs, 30 home runs, and 100 RBIs in a season - and he adds value on the bases, too, with 119 career steals in 135 attempts.
With Bo Bichette gone and Santander now injured, Tucker could’ve stepped in as a new face of the franchise alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He’s the type of talent that doesn’t just fill a hole - he changes the ceiling of your team.
Instead, he’s heading to Los Angeles, where he joins an already-loaded Dodgers lineup. For the Blue Jays, that means one less superstar on the market - and one more hurdle in the race for a championship.
Final Thoughts
Injuries are part of the game, but timing is everything. The Blue Jays were dealt a tough hand at a point in the offseason when most of the big names were already spoken for. While the addition of Jesús Sánchez helps, it’s hard not to look at players like Valdez, Bellinger, and Tucker and wonder what could’ve been.
Toronto still has plenty of talent and a roster capable of competing in the AL East. But if the injuries linger and the replacements don’t pan out, these missed opportunities could loom large as the season unfolds.