Toronto Blue Jays management could be an even busier group next offseason.

Ross Atkins and his staff have done plenty this offseason, signing the likes of Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Tyler Rogers, and Kazuma Okamoto. They were also in the running to land a number of others, most notably Kyle Tucker, but ultimately fell short.

It’s next year, however, where some truly big changes could be made. The Blue Jays have several players prepared to enter the final year of their contracts, meaning decisions will need to be made when it comes to re-signing them or perhaps replacing them via free agency.

Here’s a look at the seven Blue Jays who are set to enter the final year of their respective contracts:

Pending free agents
Kevin Gausman

Position: SP
Age: 35
2025 stats: 193 IP, 3.59 ERA, 189 K

It’s hard to believe, but the 2026 season will mark the last of the five-year , $110 million deal the Blue Jays gave Kevin Gausman as a free agent. The signing has worked out extremely well for both parties.

Despite getting up there in age, Gausman has continued to be extremely effective for Toronto. Should he continue doing more of the same in 2026, the Jays could look to work out a short-term extension with the two-time All Star.

George Springer

Position: DH
Age: 36
2025 stats: 140 GP, .309, 32 HR, 84 RBI

After a disastrous 2024 season, most had written George Springer off. That’s all been changed after the 36-year-old had one of the best seasons of his career in 2025, capped off with an iconic home run versus the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the ALCS.

 

As good as he was in 2025, however, expectations should be tempered for Springer. The longtime Houston Astro has a ton of miles on his body, and could struggle to deliver offence as consistently as he did this past season.

Shane Bieber

Position: SP
Age: 30
2025 stats: 40.1 IP, 3.57 ERA, 37 K

Shane Bieber shocked the baseball world early this offseason when he made the decision to opt in on the final year of his contract. It was a delight for Blue Jays fans, who are hopeful the 30-year-old can return to form after pitching just 52.1 regular-season innings over the past two years.

How Bieber is able to fare over the course of an entire season following a lengthy time off due to Tommy John Surgery remains to be seen. He was relatively effective for the Jays in the postseason, though, giving fans reason for optimism that he could be in line for a big year.

Yimi Garcia

Position: RP
Age: 35
2025 stats: 21 IP, 3.86 ERA, 25 K

If you only started following the Blue Jays during their epic run to the World Series, you may not be familiar with the name Yimi Garcia. The 35-year-old relief pitcher was forced to undergo elbow surgery in late August to clean up scar tissue.

Had Garcia been healthy, he would have been heavily used throughout the playoff run. Should he be back to his normal self in 2026, fans newer to watching the Jays will see firsthand just how good he can be.

 
Ernie Clement

Position: INF 
Age: 29
2025 stats: 157 GP, .277, 9 HR, 50 RBI

It’s hard to believe that it’s been less than three years since the Oakland Athletics gave up on Ernie Clement. The Blue Jays are sure thankful, however, as the 29-year-old has become a key part of their lineup.

 

Clement became an icon of sorts in Toronto following his impressive performance in the playoffs, where he hit a staggering .411 through 73 plate appearances. Those numbers won’t continue to the same degree in 2026, but have made Clement a big-time fan favourite.

Daulton Varsho

Position: OF
Age: 29
2025 stats: 71 GP, .238, 20 HR, 55 RBI

Daulton Varsho struggled to stay healthy in 2025, but when he was on the field he was incredibly productive. Not only did his defence remain Gold Glove calibre, but he was able to hit a ridiculous 20 home runs in just 71 games.

Varsho, who the Jays acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks ahead of the 2023 season, has been an elite defender during his time in Toronto while also adding some home run power to the lineup. Should he stay healthy and continue providing power this coming season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him sign another extension.

Tyler Heineman

Position: C
Age: 34
2025 stats: 61 GP, .289, 3 HR, 20 RBI

After scratching and clawing to stay in the big leagues the past few seasons, Tyler Heineman was able to carve out a back-up catching role with the Jays in 2025. By all accounts, he played quite well when called upon.

Given Heineman’s age, however, it’s likely that the Blue Jays will elect to move on from the 34-year-old backstop, though another impressive season in 2026 could change their minds.

Lead photo by

Nick Turchiaro/Imagn Images