TORONTO – With homegrown stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette within the remaining 12 months of their contracts and a aggressive window that’s open — for now — the Toronto Blue Jays have to make an announcement over the primary half of the season.
The trade-deadline sell-off throughout final 12 months’s disappointing 74-88 marketing campaign could possibly be minor in comparison with what would possibly transpire if the Blue Jays battle over the subsequent few months.
Setting a profitable tone might assist Toronto construct for a possible return to the playoffs. Conversely, a poor first half could result in trades in order that gamers aren’t misplaced to free company, maybe resulting in a rebuilding course of.
The stress is on Canada’s lone big-league crew. The opener of the 162-game marketing campaign is about for Thursday in opposition to the visiting Baltimore Orioles.
“I don’t suppose there’s any purpose why we are able to’t — if every part clicks — be one of many high groups within the AL East,” stated beginning pitcher Kevin Gausman.
Whereas the Blue Jays made a push for top-shelf free brokers like Juan Soto and Roki Sasaki within the low season, they ended up touchdown some gamers a tier under that degree.
Slugger Anthony Santander signed a five-year deal, and nearer Jeff Hoffman inked a three-year contract. Reliever Yimi Garcia is again on a two-year contract, and 40-year-old starter Max Scherzer signed a one-year deal.
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Toronto was additionally energetic on the commerce entrance, buying second baseman Andres Gimenez and reliever Nick Sandlin from the Cleveland Guardians.
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“Individuals speak about us lacking out on free brokers, they usually overlook that 29 different groups missed out on them too,” supervisor John Schneider stated in a latest availability. “We’re proud of the blokes we did purchase, and we’re going to proceed to attempt to get higher.”
The Blue Jays are hoping Scherzer, who has been nursing a sore thumb, can keep wholesome after an injury-plagued marketing campaign final 12 months. The long run Corridor of Famer and three-time Cy Younger Award winner joins a veteran rotation that features Opening Day starter Jose Berrios, Gausman, Chris Bassitt and Bowden Francis.
The switch-hitting Santander, who hit 44 homers final 12 months for Baltimore, gives much-needed pop within the coronary heart of the batting order. Toronto was twenty sixth within the main leagues with 156 dwelling runs final season.
Hoffman, Garcia and Sandlin will shore up a bullpen that additionally contains high-leverage choice Chad Inexperienced. Former nearer Jordan Romano was non-tendered final fall and later signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
“I believed we did a superb job of including guys which have nice monitor information of success,” Inexperienced stated.
Aid depth could possibly be an early concern although as Ryan Burr has skilled shoulder fatigue and Erik Swanson and Zach Pop are coping with elbow points.
Guerrero was the important thing offensive cog final season for Toronto with 30 homers, 103 RBIs and a .323 common. The Blue Jays held contract extension talks along with his representatives final month however have been unable to achieve a deal.
The 26-year-old slugger, who was reportedly searching for a 14-year deal price US$500 million in current worth, could possibly be the plum of the subsequent free-agent class if he hits the open market.
Guerrero will want way more help on the plate for the Blue Jays to have any likelihood of climbing up the standings.
Bichette and right-fielder George Springer are coming off down years and might even see time at completely different spots within the batting order.
Anticipate Springer, now 35, to maneuver decrease down with Bichette, 27, a superb wager to guide off on a extra frequent foundation. Springer may see time in left area this 12 months.
“There’s a lot expertise on this clubhouse as soon as once more this 12 months and now it’s nearly piecing it collectively for these guys and executing at a excessive degree constantly,” stated retired outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, now a particular assistant. “I do know they’ll do it.”
Gold Glove outfielder Daulton Varsho was restricted to a delegated hitter function throughout pre-season play after present process rotator cuff surgical procedure final September. He’s anticipated to return to his traditional spot in centre area someday in April.
Toronto reached the wild-card spherical in three of the final 5 years however hasn’t gained a playoff sport since reaching the American League Championship Collection in 2016.
FanDuel’s sportsbook lists the Blue Jays as a 65-1 choose to win the World Collection.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed March 25, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
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