3 bounce-back candidates Blue Jays should target in free agency

The offseason is officially underway, which means the Toronto Blue Jays have their work cut out for them to return to relevance in 2025. With several sizable contracts already on the roster, the front office may consider pursuing some players who are looking to bounce back from sub-par or injury-riddled seasons.

Max Kepler

The Blue Jays have long been linked to long-time Twins outfielder Max Kepler and this may be the perfect time to add him to the squad. The 31-year-old has been a steadying presence in the Twin Cities since 2016 when he broke out with 17 home runs in his first taste of extended playing time in the majors. The left-handed hitter was a big part of the 2019 team that hit a major-league record 307 homers. Kepler hit a career-high 36 dingers that year.

The risk of signing the German native is that his power has been inconsistent in the years since his most powerful campaign. In 2020, Kepler hit nine homers in 48 games during the COVID-shortened 60-game season, then blasted 19 in 121 games played in 2021. Over the past three years, the former high school star has sandwiched eight and nine HR seasons with a 24-homer season in 2023. Overall, Kepler has averaged 22 round-trippers since 2016. He’s also known as an above-average fielder in right and occasionally center field, and a slightly below-average runner.

Shane Bieber

If you told Jays’ fans a couple of years ago that Shane Bieber could be signed to a value deal in his first dip into free-agency waters, they might’ve called you crazy.  After all, the 29-year-old had been one of the most consistent pitchers in the American League since 2019 before injuries limited him to just 23 starts over the past two seasons.

The argument could be made that the Blue Jays should prioritize position players and the bullpen, but adding Bieber to the existing quartet of José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and Bowden Francis would give them one of the best rotations in the league. The hope is that the right-hander can return to the form he showed from 2019-2022 when he was a two-time All-Star, 2020 Cy Young Award winner, and pitched to a sub-3.00 ERA in just under 600 innings.

Kendall Graveman 

With the need for an overhaul of the relief corps, the timing is perfect for a reunion with a former top prospect. Kendall Graveman was selected by the Jays in the 2013 MLB Draft and quickly made his way through the minor leagues before making his debut as a September call-up in 2014. 

The 33-year-old underwent right shoulder surgery last January which caused him to miss the 2024 season. Time on the shelf may hurt his market but Toronto should jump at the chance to add this righty stud to the bullpen. From 2021-2023, Graveman went 13-11 with a 2.74 ERA (154 ERA+) with 24 saves in 187.1 innings pitched. He’d immediately bolster a bullpen that needs help, and could be relied upon to close out games.