Toronto Blue Jays competing against New York Mets for free agents

The Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets are two of the most active teams pursuing top tier free agents and they’re up against each other looking for upgrades.

The Toronto Blue Jays have been deemed as one of the most aggressive teams of the offseason so far, as they’ve been linked to many high profile free agents. Another team that’s in a similar boat as the Blue Jays are the New York Mets. Like the Blue Jays, they’ve been aggressive in pursuit of free agents and have been linked to many players.

Both teams have already added players to their major league roster so far this offseason. The Blue Jays were the first team to get the hot stove heating as they signed Robbie Ray to a one year deal worth $8 million, in which was the first free agent signing of the offseason.

Meanwhile the Mets have made three moves, with their first one was bringing back former beloved Blue Jay Marcus Stroman, who accepted his $18.9 million qualifying offer. They then added to their bullpen by signing Trevor May to a two year, $15.5 million deal and just recently addressed their biggest hole on their roster, which was the catcher position, agreeing to a four year, $40.6 million deal with James McCann.

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As both teams have already made at least one move, they are now focused on adding other players to their roster, specifically top tier players that are available on the free agent market.

One of the names that both teams are vying for is George Springer. Many executives believe that the race to sign Springer is between the Blue Jays and Mets. Springer has apparently given serious thought to play for the Blue Jays, although the Mets would be closer to his hometown of Connecticut.

Another free agent both ball clubs are in on is DJ LeMahieu. The New York Yankees have made it their number one priority to bring him back, although they’re apparently operating on a budget unlike how they have done in past seasons. It is widely believed the LeMahieu’s preference is to stay in New York whether it be with the Yankees or Mets. He’s apparently looking for a five year deal worth $125 million.

Both teams have also been linked to J.T. Realmuto, although the Mets are likely no longer interested due to their recent signing of McCann. This helps the Blue Jays in their pursuit of the star catcher if they choose, although the team has many options internally at that position.

Along with the players mentioned above, another option both the Blue Jays, Mets and a whole bunch of other teams have been linked to is Japanese star pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano. The Blue Jays may have an edge over the other teams here as Sugano and Shun Yamaguchi were teammates in Japan before the latter came over to the Blue Jays. Teams have until January 7th to attempt to agree to a contract with Sugano.

One thing that the Mets have over the Blue Jays though is the desire for many American born players to remain in the States. This way, they may not necessarily ever need their passport with them to cross the border, they also don’t need to have the process of switching currencies and the tax situation will be less complicated for them.

Also it should be noted that newly minted Mets owner Steve Cohen is worth over $14 billion, which makes him the richest person to own currently own a major league franchise.

As the Jays competed against the Mets last season as well as the upcoming season, they’re also going up against them this offseason for free agents. Hopefully the Blue Jays emerge victorious over the Mets this offseason.