The Toronto Blue Jays know last season’s collapse can’t happen again.
Avoiding the same fate as last year requires pitching depth, particularly in the bullpen. However, the top priority should be extending their $450 million slugger.
Extension: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Going after an ace is certainly important, but the top priority should be extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He’s coming off of his fourth-straight year of being an All-Star, and the Blue Jays need to lock him up soon. Guerrero shouldn’t get a blank check, but the Blue Jays’ worst nightmare is a bidding war in free agency.
SP: Corbin Burnes
Corbin Burnes is the best starting pitcher on the market, and the Blue Jays are in the mix for him. He would provide the Blue Jays with one of the best rotations in baseball along with Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassit and José Berríos. His contract would be worth every penny in Toronto.
RP: Kirby Yates
Kirby Yates will be 38 years old for the 2025 season, but he’s certainly not showing his age on the mound. Last season, he produced a 1.17 ERA in 61 2/3 innings for the Rangers with 33 saves. With a market value of just $6 million per year, this should almost be a no-brainer for the Blue Jays to lock him up.
RP: Jeff Hoffman
Jeff Hoffman earned himself a trip to the All-Star game for the first time in 2024. With the Phillies he posted a 2.17 ERA in 68 relief outings. Hoffman has averaged a strikeout per inning over the course of his career. He should have a lot of offers on the table, but it makes sense for the Blue Jays to get aggressive and get him signed.