The Toronto Blue Jays have taken the offseason by force after falling short in the World Series less than two months ago. Toronto’s winter was headlined by signing Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million deal, which signaled the Blue Jays were preparing to return to baseball’s biggest stage in 2026.
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In previous offseasons, things never quite panned out for Toronto. Last winter, the Blue Jays were among three finalists for Japanese fireballer Roki Sasaki, considered to be the crown jewel of the international free agent market.
Sasaki narrowed his list down to Toronto and the Los Angeles Dodgers, the latter of which the right-hander opted to sign with.
Two offseasons ago, the Blue Jays were nearly the landing spot for superstar Shohei Ohtani. Once again, close but no cigar.
This winter tells a different tale for Toronto. The Blue Jays are not only in the mix for this year’s top free agent, Kyle Tucker, but they are the favorite to land the superstar.
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Manager John Schneider sent a clear message on how this offseason marks a turning point for the Blue Jays as a premier free agent destination.
“You’re on Zoom calls with high-profile players that are speaking very, very highly of the organization, the facilities, the players that are on the team and how they conduct themselves,” Schneider said to ESPN. “That’s been a shift. I feel like in years past, with some high-profile players, it’s kind of been us selling us to them, whereas now I think the players know what they’re getting into as soon as they start talking to us.”
Toronto has already cemented themselves as serious contenders heading into next season, but they are expected to address the bullpen and lineup before the winter reaches its end.
As the Blue Jays continue making moves this winter, heartbreak seems like it’s been put on the back burner and winning has become a reality.
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