3 Blue Jays reunions that need to be explored this offseason in free agency

The Toronto Blue Jays have plenty of work ahead of them in the upcoming months if they are to be contenders in 2025. Big swings must be taken in the trade and free agent markets and some familiar faces will be available. 

The organization is coming off a hugely disappointing season that saw them become sellers at the trade deadline and part with some fan favorites. Danny Jansen, Yimi Garcia, and Yusei Kiuchi were shipped out last summer and all three will be hitting the open market this offseason. Teoscar Hernández was traded to the Seattle Mariners following the 2022 season and is also a pending free agent. 

Any of these reunions are sensible and the beleaguered front office would be wise to pursue these players in hopes of achieving the vision of returning to relevance next spring. The trading of Jansen may have been the most painful transaction of a miserable year. He had been with the franchise for over a decade and was adored by his teammates and followers. General Manager Ross Atkins recently commented that upgrading the catcher position wouldn’t be an area of focus this winter, but going with Tyler Heineman as the primary backup is hardly a step toward contention.

Garcia was one of the most consistent bullpen members over the past three seasons but became expendable this summer with the team well out of the playoff race. The much-maligned bullpen needs as many quality arms as possible, so getting in touch with Garcia about a reunion makes a lot of sense. 

Following the ‘22 season, the front office decided a complete overhaul of the outfield was the best course of action, and Hernandez was moved to Seattle for Erik Swanson and Adam Macko. After regressing in his lone year playing in the Pacific Northwest, Hernandez signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers and has enjoyed one of his best seasons. Returning to Toronto would give the Blue Jays and their fans a shot in the arm.