After one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history, the Blue Jays will have their work cut out for them this coming winter. There are lots of holes and only about four months to fill them. Let's examine what they need to address the most.
Impact Lefty Bat
The most obvious glaring need this team has had for years now is a bonfire source of left-handed power in their lineup. Right-handed power is not an issue, with bats like Vladimir Guerrero and a hopefully resurgent Bo Bichette in 2025, plus guys like George Springer and Alejandro Kirk. On the left hand side, we're dependent on Daulton Varsho and some platoon pieces, though Spencer Horwitz was impressive in 2024. If we're going to be less susceptible to high power right-handers, we need that impact lefty bat.
Juan Soto is the obvious best choice to fill this need, but his contract will likely be North of $400M, and henceforth risky. Plus, he may wind up not wanting Toronto and we could get strung along for leverage, losing valuable time we could use to sign other pieces. A switch hitting Anthony Santander would be an excellent fall-back option, but he'll also be pricey. At age 30 though, he's more likely to command a 5yr/$125-150M sort of deal which is more realistic for the Jays if they intend to extend Vlad and Bo. He's also a booming bat who knows the division well. There's a significant drop off after this on the market. Joc Pederson is perhaps the best piece, but he'd be a Brandon Belt type one year signing.
If the Jays want to solve for a lefty compliment to Vlad and Bo, I think the switch hitting Santander is the best choice, giving them three massive righty guns against lefties, and a lefty bat between Vlad and Bo against nighties. Soto would be nice, but I don't think the Jays would go at him like they did for Ohtani. And truth be told, I think New York or L.A. are probably more attractive for him.
Bullpen
Regression was the biggest issue last year. The Jays had a good bullpen in 2023, but it was rough in 2024. Injuries were a key factor, but so was a lack of late inning options and the lack of swing and miss. The Jays have to fix this to contend in 2025, and they will need multiple signings to do so.
I would recommend lots of solid, short-term signings. This is for two reasons. One, relievers are voodoo and performance can oscillate wildly from one year to the next. Long-term deals with relievers are notoriously risky. The second reason is that relievers are popular trade deadline targets, and in the worst case scenario, the Jays can easily move a reliever or two for a prospect that could later pan out nicely. Just ask Kansas City how they liked the Cole Ragans deal.
A reunion with Kirby Yates and/or Yimi Garcia could be a nice start. Scott Barlow was a nice setup man for Cleveland who also has closing experience. Veterans like Blake Treinen and Arnold's Chapman are available too. Other relievers like Andrew Chafin, Will Smith, Phil Maton, and so on could prove cheap, high upside pickups. That's what the Jays should focus on. They've got some guys in-house already that should be solid, they just need more depth, and more strikeouts.
Third Base
We need an impact third baseman. We haven't really replaced Matt Chapman, and we'll need to. The best option is Alex Bregman, but it's worth noting that some of his production is aided by his current home ballpark. He also won't come cheap. He's going to seek and get nine digits, which should be an easier get given the thin market at the hot corner. An alternate plan could be acquiring Willy Adames or Ha-Seong Kim and moving that player to third on a full-time basis. Ernie Clement and Davis Schneider are fine as role players, but neither really replaces Chapman.
Depth
The Jays have some positional flexibility, which is good, but they could use some extra depth, especially if it's a lefty bat with power. An extra outfielder with strong defensive skills is important, and/or another impact bat. (Teo - let's win one here)
A backup catcher would be a worthy add, especially if he can hit a little. Alejandro Kirk will be the number one catcher, but a backup that can fill 60-70 games behind the dish without being a massive downgrade offensively gives a manager lots of flexibility.
Summary
I think the Jays got caught pegging too much of their off-season on Ohtani. They never looked like having a backup plan, and lost precious time that could have been spent adding impact pieces. They'll need to move quickly and get the best pieces that they can. Extending at least one of Vlad or Bo is key as well. Prospective free agent signings need to see that this team is still serious about contending and that there's a clear long-term plan in place to succeed. If not, 2025 will be another year of frustration and uncertainty.
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