ESPN’s latest bold predictions make the AL East even more daunting for Blue Jays

Despite leading the initial offseason splash, the Toronto Blue Jays have slowly but surely seen many of their American League East division rivals counter by closing the gap with big moves of their own.

The Boston Red Sox bolstered their rotation with the additions of Sonny Gray and Ranger Suárez, along with a premium bat in Willson Contreras. As well, the New York Yankees traded for Ryan Weathers and re-signed star outfielder Cody Bellinger. But it’s the Baltimore Orioles that have significantly revamped their disappointing roster from 2025 so far by recruiting Shane Baz, Ryan Helsley, Zach Eflin, Taylor Ward and of course star slugger Pete Alonso. 

In doing so, it has made the AL East one of the toughest divisions in all of baseball, if it hadn’t been already. ESPN also made some recent bold predictions for the remainder of the offseason which, if they come to fruition, would make the division even more daunting for the Blue Jays.

ESPN’s latest bold predictions make the AL East even more daunting for Blue Jays

ESPN has the Orioles landing the top remaining starting pitcher in the free agent market in Framber Valdez. If they do sign that deal, Baltimore would essentially have added two potential aces and a shutdown closer to their pitching staff, along with two big time sluggers ahead of the 2026 MLB season. That would not only make them the most active spender, but likely the most improved team this offseason.

If that wasn’t bad enough, ESPN has the Red Sox adding one more big bat before this winter comes to an end. After all, they did lose a big one in Alex Bregman going to the Chicago Cubs in free agency. Their addition of Contreras would make up for some of the offense, given his ability to average 20+ home runs and 80+ RBIs per season. However, recruiting one more power bat would make them more than able to compete in the uber-competitive AL East. So potentially Eugenio Suárez anyone?

As for the Yankees, thank goodness at least ESPN doesn’t have them landing Tarik Skubal. Otherwise, the Blue Jays nightmares would have just begun. Nevertheless, they have New York moving on from Jasson Domínguez after the return of Bellinger to the Bronx Bombers in free agency this offseason. The Yankees could net a solid asset or two in an area of need, so depending on who they get, it could ultimately bolster their overall roster as a result.

So the Blue Jays, who appeared to have run away from everybody with their early offseason moves, suddenly find themselves back to square one. Most of their closest rival contenders have all caught up or potentially have even passed them with the massive moves made this winter.