The Blue Jays’ offseason board is already taking shape, and the names at the top tell you where the front office is aiming: offense first, rotation second, bullpen third.
One of the most interesting early developments came Wednesday at the GM meetings in Las Vegas, where the Blue Jays met with representatives for Jazz Chisholm Jr., according to Shi David of Sportsnet. Chisholm offers the kind of package Toronto keeps circling - power, speed and versatility - and the most natural fit would be at second base. He’s coming off a down year, though, which could push him toward a short-term deal or a contract with opt-outs as he tries to rebuild his value.
There’s also a broader market forming around him. MLB Network Insider Jon Morosi reported that 11 teams have already had discussions with Chisholm’s camp, with more detailed meetings set to start next week. Toronto does have one advantage over Brandon Lowe, another free-agent second baseman: the Yankees did not make Chisholm a qualifying offer, so the Blue Jays would not have to surrender draft pick compensation.
Shi David also reported that Chisholm is open to a flexible defensive setup, including time in the outfield.
If Toronto is looking bigger than the middle infield, Tarik Skubal remains the headline swing. Ken Rosenthal said on “Foul Territory” that, with the uncertain labor situation, Skubal could be interested in a longer deal. He pointed to the Kyle Tucker situation, where the Dodgers offered a 4-year deal with a higher AAV than Toronto’s 10-year offer, and suggested that if a similar dynamic plays out with Skubal, the labor backdrop - including a potential salary cap - could work in the Blue Jays’ favor.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that Skubal’s agent, Scott Boras, is telling teams the pitcher is not interested in a short-term deal, and that the price to get in the room starts at $325M. Rosenthal said the Blue Jays “have to be taken seriously” as a contender for Skubal, even if the question hanging over the pursuit is obvious: can they land him after finishing runner-up on Ohtani and Tucker?
Toronto is also in the mix on Sato, though the competition is broad. The Athletic’s Matt Gelb reported that the Phillies are interested in Sato for a corner outfield role, while The Athletic also said the Rangers have done extensive work on him. Texas is trying to keep payroll relatively flat, which would likely force a trade of Nathan Eovaldi, Jacob deGrom or Corey Seager to make room.
President of Baseball Operations Chris Young said the Rangers are willing to listen on Seager, and that could make him a name to watch for Toronto. But there are obvious complications: Seager has been on the injured list nine times since 2023, and the 32-year-old has 5 years and $155M left on his deal.
Other teams linked to Sato include the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers and Padres.
At shortstop, one option may be slipping away. The Athletic’s Spencer Nasbaum reported that the Nationals are now leaning toward keeping Abrams for 2027 after spending most of the last year listening to trade offers. Washington believes it can contend for the postseason, and thinks keeping the two-time All-Star improves those odds, though Nasbaum noted it could still be blown away by the right offer.
Toronto has also checked in on Ketel Marte, according to The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon. Marte comes with 10/5 rights, so he could block any deal, and the Blue Jays would also have to weigh whether he fits their clubhouse after he went AWOL for the Diamondbacks game at Fenway Park on August 17th, which wasn’t the first time he has let down his teammates. Arizona is also asking a high price.
The easiest route to a better Blue Jays offense is still the outfield, but the biggest impact might come from an infield addition.
Toronto’s bullpen is on the radar too. Ben Nicholson-Smith reported that the Blue Jays have interest in adding relief help and have checked in on A.J.
Minter. Kevin Ginkel and Alex Vesia are also among the names Toronto reportedly has at least some interest in.
That market is not cheap. Adrian Morejon is leading the class, but even the second tier is getting paid, as shown by the Braves giving Evan Phillips a 3-year, $35M deal yesterday despite Phillips throwing only 31.2 innings for the Dodgers in 2026.
Still, with American League Reliever of the Year and All-MLB Team closer Louis Varland anchoring an already strong bullpen, relief help looks like Toronto’s third priority behind upgrading the offense and strengthening the rotation.
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