TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays will kick off their common season at residence on Thursday in opposition to the Baltimore Orioles.
Right here’s a take a look at 5 speaking factors forward of the brand new marketing campaign:
FACE OF THE FRANCHISE
As Vladimir Guerrero Jr. enters his stroll 12 months, his long-term future will proceed to be a sizzling subject even when he and the workforce hope the distraction may be stored to a minimal.
The 2 sides held contract extension talks final month however couldn’t attain an settlement. Stories mentioned Guerrero was looking for a 14-year deal price US$500 million in present-day worth.
The 26-year-old first baseman will seemingly be the highest free agent out there this fall if he stays unsigned past 2025.
The Blue Jays’ first street journey of the 12 months consists of stops within the media hotbeds of New York and Boston. Native sports activities writers and columnists will little question be out in pressure.
Associated Movies
The Mets and Crimson Sox have been busy on the free-agent market this previous low season. New York signed celebrity Juan Soto to a file US$765-million contract over 15 years, whereas Boston inked Alex Bregman to a three-year deal price $120 million.
Get breaking Nationwide information
For information impacting Canada and all over the world, join breaking information alerts delivered on to you once they occur.
CLOSER CHANGE
Nearer Jeff Hoffman is again with the workforce that chosen him with the ninth total decide within the 2014 MLB Draft.
He signed a three-year deal price $33 million with Toronto in January. Hoffman spent the final two seasons with Philadelphia, posting a career-best 2.17 earned-run common in 2024 with 10 saves and 21 holds.
Hoffman will seemingly be the first ninth-inning choice in a bullpen that features fellow high-leverage relievers Yimi Garcia and Chad Inexperienced.
Longtime Blue Jays nearer Jordan Romano of Markham, Ont., was non-tendered final fall. He later signed with the Phillies.
ANDRES THE GIANT
Toronto’s sturdy defence improved much more with the acquisition of second baseman Andres Gimenez final December.
Gimenez, who has received three straight Gold Glove awards, gives much-needed stability on the place. The 26-year-old completed sixth in American League MVP voting in 2022.
Toronto additionally acquired reliever Nick Sandlin within the take care of the Guardians, who picked up first baseman Spencer Horwitz and prospect Nick Mitchell.
TONY TATERS
The Blue Jays turned to the free-agent market within the low season after a down 12 months for workforce offence in 2024.
Former Baltimore slugger Anthony Santander, who has averaged 35 homers a 12 months during the last three seasons, was signed to a five-year deal price $92.5 million.
He’ll seemingly be slotted within the coronary heart of the batting order to supply some much-needed safety for Guerrero, who was the lone Blue Jay to hit greater than 20 homers final 12 months.
CAPTAIN KIRK
Alejandro Kirk will function Toronto’s full-time catcher this season after the trade-deadline departure of longtime Jays backstop Danny Jansen final summer season.
Kirk, an all-star in 2022, posted respectable offensive numbers final 12 months, however his actual worth comes behind the plate the place his defensive expertise shine. The 26-year-old Mexican was nominated for a Gold Glove award in 2023.
Tyler Heineman will function the backup catcher.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed March 26, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
Source link