The Toronto Blue Jays are approaching this offseason like a team that knows how close it came. After falling just short of a World Series title, Toronto is making it clear: they don’t plan on playing second fiddle again.
The front office is active, aggressive, and focused on plugging the gaps that kept them from hoisting the trophy. But in the American League East, ambition is never a one-team mission.
While the Blue Jays are working to level up, so are their rivals-and one of them just made a move that could have ripple effects across the division.
Baltimore Strikes with a Bullpen Upgrade
The Baltimore Orioles, a team that’s been steadily building momentum over the past few seasons, just added a major piece to their bullpen. Closer Ryan Helsley is heading to Baltimore on a two-year deal that includes an opt-out after the first season, pending a physical. It’s a significant move-one that not only strengthens the Orioles’ late-game options but also takes a key target off the board for Toronto.
Let’s be clear: the Blue Jays had their eyes on Helsley. He’s been on their radar as they look to reinforce a bullpen that, while solid, didn’t quite separate itself in 2025. And while Helsley’s late-season numbers with the Mets weren’t pretty-he posted a 7.20 ERA in 20 innings after a midseason trade from the Cardinals-that stretch doesn’t tell the full story.
Don’t Let the ERA Fool You
Over the last few years, Helsley has been one of the most consistent and overpowering relievers in the game. Since the start of the 2022 season, he’s logged a 2.49 ERA across 223.2 innings, including that rough patch in New York.
His 2.80 FIP, 1.10 WHIP, and 165 ERA+ paint a much clearer picture of the kind of arm he is when he’s right. Add in 288 strikeouts over that span, and it’s easy to see why teams were lining up.
There’s even speculation that Helsley may have been tipping pitches during his stint with the Mets-something that, if true, would go a long way in explaining the sudden drop-off. Regardless, the Orioles are betting on the larger body of work, and with Felix Bautista sidelined due to injury, Helsley steps in as a ready-made closer with All-Star credentials.
Toronto’s Bullpen Picture
For the Blue Jays, missing out on Helsley means the search continues. Their bullpen was serviceable in 2025-middle of the pack in most categories-but not dominant.
And in October, dominance matters. That’s why all eyes are now on Edwin Díaz, arguably the best reliever available on the free agent market.
Díaz is a proven commodity. He’s coming off a season where he posted a 1.63 ERA, racked up 28 saves, and struck out 98 batters over 66.1 innings. He’s electric, he’s consistent, and he’s exactly the kind of arm that can shorten games in October.
But landing Díaz won’t be easy. He’s attached to a qualifying offer, meaning signing him would cost the Blue Jays a draft pick.
And they’re not alone in the chase. The Dodgers, for instance, are expected to be in the mix, especially given the uncertainty around Roki Sasaki’s role and the injury setback to Tanner Scott, who didn’t pan out after signing last winter.
All Eyes on Díaz
The Blue Jays are reportedly open to being aggressive with Díaz, whether that means a longer-term deal or a higher annual salary. If Jeff Hoffman is willing to step back from the closer role, Díaz could slide in and instantly elevate Toronto’s bullpen to elite status. And in a division where the margins are razor-thin, that kind of move could be the difference between another near-miss and a championship parade.
This is the kind of offseason where every move counts. The Orioles just made one.
Now, the pressure’s back on Toronto to respond. They’ve got the foundation.
They’ve got the motivation. The next step?
Locking down the kind of bullpen piece that can slam the door in October.