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The Blue Jays have been linked to another reliever in their pursuit of Robert Suarez.
The Toronto Blue Jays are doing their best to keep up with the MLB free agency market. They got a jump on things by signing Dylan Cease out of free agency. Shane Bieber also decided to return, turning down an opportunity to cash in on the free market. The Blue Jays are looking to add another high-leverage reliever. Edwin Diaz was linked to the Blue Jays before he agreed to a new contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Robert Suarez and Pete Fairbanks have been two other names regularly linked to Toronto.
In the midst of their pursuit of a new reliever is the ongoing Bo Bichette–Kyle Tucker saga. Neither player has signed a new contract yet, and the Blue Jays have strong options if they miss out on both. There is also the option for the Blue Jays to trade a pitcher or position player if they cannot find a suitable free agent.
However, a new report has revealed that the Blue Jays could have one New York Yankees reliever on their radar.
Toronto Blue Jays Linked to New York Yankees Reliever
Diaz’s signing with the Dodgers is one small setback for the Blue Jays. Toronto was always going to be in the mix, but there was no indication they would end up financially where he ultimately did.
However, the Blue Jays are still in pursuit of Suarez, who earned 40 saves in 2025. Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet has recently revealed another potential target that the team could explore in free agency.
“The Blue Jays are working to add relief help,” Nicholson-Smith wrote on December 9th. “With Robert Suarez, the highest upside reliever still available, one player who interests them to a degree. Suarez wouldn’t cost a draft pick as he didn’t get a qualifying offer, but he’s still likely to command a three-year deal that could cost more than $50 million.”
“Spending at that level on a reliever would likely mean spending less on position players, so the Blue Jays are also checking on relievers who don’t have the same cachet, including Luke Weaver and various others.”
Luke Weaver could be an interesting addition. In 2025, he threw 72 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings over 64 appearances. He also recorded a 3.62 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP.
Is Robert Suarez or Luke Weaver the Type of Pitcher the Blue Jays Want?
A few days ago, Blue Jays GM spoke with Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae. During that short interview, Ross Atkins revealed the type of reliever the team would look to add.
“Jeff had an incredible year for us. I think he had a little bit of bad home run luck where balls were going over the fence,” Atkins said in a clip shared by Mae on December 8, 2025. “The type of profile we are looking for is someone who is exceptionally aggressive and continues to come after people. With the ability to get left-handed, right-handed hitters out. It’s hard to do better than Jeff Hoffman.”
“But, if there’s a way we can add some level of impact to our (bullpen), we’ll be open to it.”
Looking at the reliever free agent market, do any pitchers match this profile?
Suarez certainly does. Savant data shows that his four-seam fastballs hit a velocity of 98.6 MPH in 2025. He threw his four-seamer 63.4 percent of the time. Suarez threw 75 strikeouts over 69 2/3 innings.
On the other hand, Weaver isn’t as good a fit. According to Savant, his four-seam fastball has a league average velocity for right-handers (95.1 MPH).
At this point, the Blue Jays are still in on Suarez. If he signs with the New York Mets or another team, Toronto can explore other free-agent options or trade options.
Caleb Kerney Caleb covers the NHL for Heavy.com. He has covered professional hockey since 2022, including bylines at Dobber Prospects, The Hockey Writers, and The Hockey News. More about Caleb Kerney
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