From Jeff Passan to Buster Olney, the insiders and experts agree that the Toronto Blue Jays have not had a good offseason. The saving grace for Toronto might be in the fact that this year’s free agent class is much deeper than last year’s, and there are still plenty of options out there. Jeff Hoffman, added Friday night, certainly represents a solid addition, whether he’s a reliever or starter moving forward.
Needless to say, though, the cloud of the Orioles’ failed physical hangs over the Hoffman signing, making even Toronto’s best move yet feel worrisome. Until they do something major, things look pretty grim.
However, it’s not just the external affairs that are plaguing the Blue Jays with some huge cornerstones of the franchise still left without long-term extensions. Spring training starts in just over a month and here are three things the Blue Jays can do to turn around their offseason before then.
3 moves that could save the Blue Jays from their offseason disaster
Extend Vladdy and Bo Bichette
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. should be a Blue Jay until he retires. Toronto has never drafted and developed a star position player who has stayed in Toronto for their entire career. In the almost 50-year history of this team they should’ve had at least one Derek Jeter, Cal Ripken Jr., or Chipper Jones to claim as their own.
Vladdy should be that guy.
And Bo Bichette should join him.
These were the guys this administration wanted to build around since they first came into the system. Both have expressed their desires to stay here long term.
If the Jays do nothing else this offseason, signing both Vladdy and Bo would allow Blue Jays fans to breath somewhat of a sigh of relief and not feel like 2025 is win or bust for the franchise.
Sign one of Anthony Santander or Pete Alonso or both!
The Blue Jays need power. Toronto was a bottom five team in home runs in 2024 and they could sorely use some pop in their lineup.