2026 Toronto Blue Jays Season Thread

[chummer]

Originally Posted by carmenshoes

Just curious if Bo doesn't sign with the Jays where is he likely to sign?

The Athletic has Det, Phi, Tor as best fits.

[browna]

^
Which is speak for: Ok, test the market but let us know what you’re offered and we will try and match.
Yes they probably did leave it too long, but were taking the risk, even with great stats, that Bo was having to prove playoff prowess.
Then he got hurt.
If the Jays lose one more game while Bo was out, and then lose in the WC to Boston, he doesn’t play in the playoffs, season is done, he hasn’t played, he’s hurt, and his value goes down by millions.

Instead, Jays win the AL, win 2 rounds, and he comes back in the lineup for the WS and hits a 3 run HR in the biggest game in the franchise’s history for over 3 decades, which would’ve been the backbone for a Game 7 WS win.

How much did that cost the Jays? Will find out. But by not enaging earlier they acknowledged he could determine his value in his own, and that went up because of his overall WS performance.

[howard_the_duck]

It would be great to keep Bo. But he’s far from irreplaceable.

I’m good with the Jays walking him to free agency. If someone gives him a contract he can’t refuse, I’m ok with them pivoting and finding a bat first player to fill out their roster elsewhere.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by bluejays

To me most logical is the Yankees. They can afford him, need a SS, and it hurts their direct competition (the Jays).

I think he's a great fit for the Yankees - you bat him before Judge and a bunch of those solo shots become 2 runs because he hit a single first, and they don't care about defense anyway (which is his weakness).

The Jays are in a relatively good position - they could replace his offensive production with an outfielder (which is usually cheaper on equal production) and move Barger to the infield, Clement to 2B, Gimenez to SS. Then get a corner OF to replace his production. I like a trade for Kwan, or a signing of Bellinger or Bregman. Since Gimenez can play SS they can replace his bat at a cheaper position, which might allow them to upgrade (eg Bellinger and Bichette have the same market value according to Sportrac, but Bellinger had 3 extra WAR last year).

[mile]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1986513958728077701

https://twitter.com/user/status/1986511092412043317

https://twitter.com/user/status/1986511095549534302

https://twitter.com/user/status/1986502083919389011

[browna]

The concept of “Toughness and togetherness” and team relationship chemistry is a naturally occurring thing on any team. It’s fantastic that this years team had it. Last years team didn’t, and the roster wasn’t significantly different. Never mind one with a $180MM payroll.

It wasn’t manufactured. Guys like Beiber and Varland and IKF etc were the types of guys that were able to fit in. Not all may work out like that.

Clement said it best, he’ll never play with a group of guys that he loves more. With Mattingly now gone the team will officially be different next year. It may be 4 guys it may be 14 different players and coaches next year, doesn’t matter, it’s different and can’t be forced to feel the same.

To try and replicate that and try and force togetherness often ends in disaster. So Atkins and Shapiro aren’t dumb enough to make moves based on togetherness but they better not be messaging to fans about getting players for a team that is together. Or develop marketing around it, because then it doesn’t come from the players natural relationships, it comes from corporate Rogers trying to suck fans in with a concept.

Remember the green hard hat in 2004? Player developed for themselves and cool for the fans to get a glimpse of and thus feel a part of. Remember the next one, the gold hard hat? Yeah.

Again, team unity and chemistry has to to be organic and come from the players. This year it was. That’s it. To make it a clubhouse mantra or season ticket selling theme would be a big mistake.

[jg13]

According to a couple betting sites Kyle Tuckers most likely next team is the Blue Jays. Just slightly at +300 to the Dodgers +350.

Edit:

https://twitter.com/user/status/1986465905765949638

Can't find this prop anymore.

But bet365 has Bo as a pretty significant favourite (-220) to return to Toronto with the next highest odds +550 Braves, +800 Yankees, +1500 Tigers

[howard_the_duck]

Originally Posted by jg13

According to a couple betting sites Kyle Tuckers most likely next team is the Blue Jays. Just slightly at +300 to the Dodgers +350.

I saw his ESPN projected contract at 11 years and $400M++.

Not interested in that kind of money, personally.

[Roof-Daddy]

I wonder if the Jays try to nab a closer, based on Atkins comments.

There are three legit stud closers on the FA market this off season in Diaz, Suarez and Helsley. Not cheap though, and you rarely get the appropriate bang for your buck with FA relievers.

Sign Bo
Sign Cease
Sign Helsley

If Varland stays as a reliever, and Yimi comes back healthy that would make a pretty solid bullpen on paper and probably a top 5 rotation in all of baseball....again, on paper.

SP1 - Gausman
SP2 - Cease
SP3 - Bieber
SP4 - Yesavage
SP5 - Berrios

CL - Helsley (R)
SU - Hoffman (R)
SU - Garcia (R)
MR - Fluharty (L)
MR - Varland (R)
MR - Little (L)
MR - Bastardo (R)
LR - Lauer (L)

Depth - Rodriguez, Fisher, Nance

[howard_the_duck]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

I wonder if the Jays try to nab a closer, based on Atkins comments.

There are three legit stud closers on the FA market this off season in Diaz, Suarez and Helsley. Not cheap though, and you rarely get the appropriate bang for your buck with FA relievers.

Sign Bo
Sign Cease
Sign Helsley

If Varland stays as a reliever, and Yimi comes back healthy that would make a pretty solid bullpen on paper and probably a top 5 rotation in all of baseball....again, on paper.

SP1 - Gausman
SP2 - Cease
SP3 - Bieber
SP4 - Yesavage
SP5 - Berrios

CL - Helsley (R)
SU - Hoffman (R)
SU - Garcia (R)
MR - Fluharty (L)
MR - Varland (R)
MR - Little (L)
MR - Bastardo (R)
LR - Lauer (L)

Depth - Rodriguez, Fisher, Nance

Whether it's in the offseason or some point next season, this team needs a solid LHP reliever, IMO.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by jg13

According to a couple betting sites Kyle Tuckers most likely next team is the Blue Jays. Just slightly at +300 to the Dodgers +350.

Interesting. Spoetrac has his estimated contract at 10 years $400MM.

I'd be surprised if the Jays would sign that 1 year after Vladdy's deal. Maybe the WS money helps, but I think another starting pitcher is a bigger priority and if they sign a top tier pitcher they won't also pay for a top tier bat.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

I wonder if the Jays try to nab a closer, based on Atkins comments.

There are three legit stud closers on the FA market this off season in Diaz, Suarez and Helsley. Not cheap though, and you rarely get the appropriate bang for your buck with FA relievers.

Sign Bo
Sign Cease
Sign Helsley

If Varland stays as a reliever, and Yimi comes back healthy that would make a pretty solid bullpen on paper and probably a top 5 rotation in all of baseball....again, on paper.

SP1 - Gausman
SP2 - Cease
SP3 - Bieber
SP4 - Yesavage
SP5 - Berrios

CL - Helsley (R)
SU - Hoffman (R)
SU - Garcia (R)
MR - Fluharty (L)
MR - Varland (R)
MR - Little (L)
MR - Bastardo (R)
LR - Lauer (L)

Depth - Rodriguez, Fisher, Nance

I'd expect Nick Sandlin to be in the mix in the pen as well.

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

I'd expect Nick Sandlin to be in the mix in the pen as well.

That's right, forgot about him.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Originally Posted by jg13

According to a couple betting sites Kyle Tuckers most likely next team is the Blue Jays. Just slightly at +300 to the Dodgers +350.

Edit:

https://twitter.com/user/status/1986465905765949638

Can't find this prop anymore.

But bet365 has Bo as a pretty significant favourite (-220) to return to Toronto with the next highest odds +550 Braves, +800 Yankees, +1500 Tigers

We have all seen how this plays out. I’m guessing Tucker’s agent is seeding the market with hints that the Jays are a serious contender, only to extract maximum cash from the Dodgers.

[flamingred89]

I hope the Jays focus on signing Bo and a top tier Starter before starting to entertain the idea of adding Tucker. He's been a 5 WAR player for the last 5 season but his offense is already starting to decline and his numbers fell off a cliff in the second half of last season. Let the Dodgers take him on as I don't think he moves the needle much for them.

[bluejays]

To me the biggest thing is to sign Bo again. It's super important to me (at the right price/term, of course). Second is getting a high end starter. I can see a bit of a pull back from Gausman as he ages, so getting a legit ace will be needed. Nice to have and probably easier to do would be to get a reliever/closer.


Guys like Tucker are great and all, but where does he fit? Both Springer and Santander are destined for DH playing time with one playing OF. I can't see them dealing Barger (or does he move to 3rd)? What happens to Clement? I like the idea of adding another core piece like Tucker instead of relying on split matchups but I just can't see it with a limited budget unless they can't sign Bo. Even before Bo got injured I thought he'd make a good 2nd baseman. Gotta hope they sign him.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by bluejays

To me the biggest thing is to sign Bo again. It's super important to me (at the right price/term, of course). Second is getting a high end starter. I can see a bit of a pull back from Gausman as he ages, so getting a legit ace will be needed. Nice to have and probably easier to do would be to get a reliever/closer.


Guys like Tucker are great and all, but where does he fit? Both Springer and Santander are destined for DH playing time with one playing OF. I can't see them dealing Barger (or does he move to 3rd)? What happens to Clement? I like the idea of adding another core piece like Tucker instead of relying on split matchups but I just can't see it with a limited budget unless they can't sign Bo. Even before Bo got injured I thought he'd make a good 2nd baseman. Gotta hope they sign him.

IMO they'll only add an OF (Tucker, Bellinger, trade for Kwan) if they don't sign Bo.

Then you move Barger to 3B, Clement to 2B and Gimenez to SS. Basically lets you replace Bo with a right fielder.

I think they need 1 bat (Bo or an OF) and 1 starter. A legit closer would be nice but I think a starter/bat are higher priorities and they're already projected at $227MM.

They spent $255 last year and probably would like to stay under the overage threshhold at $264 MM, maybe with the WS money they'd go higher but I doubt they exceed the $284MM threshhold as the penalties get pretty severe.

If they were willing to go $280 (to leave some room for deadline adds) that would leave $53MM. I feel like you could get Bo and Dylan Cease for that money.

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

A legit closer would be nice but I think a starter/bat are higher priorities and they're already projected at $227MM.

Hoffman’s 9-7 record says a legit closer is a priority. That’s a lot of blown games there.

[flames_fan_down_under]

I think the Jays should pursue Michael King. Perfect 2/3 guy for the rotation. Decent strikeout numbers.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by edslunch

Hoffman’s 9-7 record says a legit closer is a priority. That’s a lot of blown games there.

I guess do you pick that over Bo or a starter? I don't think they have the budget for all 3 and if I have to give up 1 I'd pick the closer.

And then I'd start thinking about giving the job to Garcia or Varland.

I agree getting a better closer is a high priority, but I'd put it at 3rd.

1) top of rotation starter
2) Bichette signing (or replace production with another bat)
3) closer
4) additional relief help

Maybe they could free up some cash elsewhere to get all 3.

Eg Myles Straw is at $7MM. If you can get someone to take his contract (and he played well enough this year that you might be able to trade him to a weaker team as the starting CF) you can replace him with Loperfido for $0.8MM and spend the savings elsewhere. In a perfect world you'd trade both him and Rodriguez, and that would leave you $13MM for a top tier closer. But I doubt Yariel could be moved without attaching significant value in prospects.

I also think they need to keep adding to the rotation for continuity reasons. As of now the only starters they have signed/controlled for 2027 are Berrios (at $24 MM!) And Yesavage. Gausman and Bieber are both FA at the end of 2026, so it would be good to have at least one good arm locked in for a few years to provide some stability.