Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) celebrates his two run home run with shortstop Bo Bichette (11) during the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre in Toronto on July 19.John E. Sokolowski/Reuters
FACE(S) OF THE FRANCHISE
The long-term plan for infielders Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette has been a hot topic since the homegrown talents emerged as star players in the major leagues. That won’t change entering an off-season loaded with challenges for general manager Ross Atkins. Guerrero and Bichette are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents after the 2025 campaign. The future plans of the franchise will become much clearer if they put pen to paper on contract extensions. Guerrero has rediscovered the form that saw him finish second in American League MVP voting in 2021. Bichette, who led the AL in hits in 2021 and 2022, struggled through an injury-plagued year.
RELIEF NEEDED
A bullpen that had a variety of weapons last year was gutted this season because of trades, injuries and underperformance. It’s arguably the biggest area of need as the Blue Jays look to return to contention next season. Closer Jordan Romano is coming off elbow surgery, Yimi García was traded, Erik Swanson had a stint in the minors and Tim Mayza’s long run in Toronto ended when he was designated for assignment. Chad Green and Génesis Cabrera became the main high-leverage options in the second half with middling results.
ROTATION
A solid core is in place in the team’s starting rotation but more depth – particularly a quality left-hander – would be welcomed. Veterans José Berríos, Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt provide a dependable 1-2-3 punch at the top. Yariel Rodríguez is the likely No. 4 man and Bowden Francis, after a remarkable second half, has made a strong case to round out the five-man crew. Alek Manoah, who missed most of the season after undergoing a hybrid Tommy John surgical procedure, will likely be out until June at the earliest.
BOSS ROSS
The front office will be under intense pressure this off-season before the competitive window with the current nucleus starts to close. Atkins has been on the job as GM for almost nine years. The Blue Jays’ only playoff victories in that time came in 2016 when they reached the ALCS with a squad largely assembled by predecessor Alex Anthopoulos. The Blue Jays missed out on two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani last year. Another big swing at a top free agent – think Juan Soto or Alex Bregman – is likely needed this fall. Big bats are desperately needed for an offence that sagged all season. It would also prove to the fan base and the baseball world that the Blue Jays are ready to make a major push to be contenders again.
TAKING A LOOK
One of the few positives from a last-place positioning in the standings is it allows an opportunity to take a look at rookies, up-and-coming players and recent trade acquisitions. Players such as Spencer Horwitz, Nathan Lukes, Addison Barger and Ernie Clement all had opportunities this season and could be factors in 2025.