3 division rival moves that Blue Jays fans should be very worried about

The Toronto Blue Jays have built on the momentum of their most successful season in over 30 years with a flashy start to their offseason, which quickly yielded three high-impact signings: pitchers Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Tyler Rogers.

They also just signed Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto according to several reports. But they aren’t the only ones hoping to improve in 2026, and their division rivals have also been busy. These moves by the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays will give Jays fans reason to worry about the AL East division title slipping out of the Blue Jays' grasp.

3 division rival moves that Blue Jays fans should be very worried about

Willson Contreras

The Boston Red Sox traded for the longtime St. Louis Cardinals catcher a few days before Christmas. The transaction was a sensible pivot after Boston failed to sign Pete Alonso, and Contreras is expected to be an everyday first baseman in Beantown.

In a limited sample size, the 33-year-old has mashed Blue Jays’ pitching. Over seven games, Contreras has hit .440 (11-25) with three doubles, two home runs, seven RBI, and a 1.300 OPS. Obviously, those aren’t sustainable numbers, but the three-time All-Star has excelled when facing Toronto and could be a thorn in their side for the next couple of years.

Taylor Ward

The Baltimore Orioles were one of the most disappointing teams in the majors last season after winning over 100 games in 2023 and qualifying for the postseason in ’24. Like the Blue Jays, the O’s have attacked the offseason and have added considerable power to a lineup that produced zero 20-homer players last season. Outfielder Taylor Ward was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels for pitcher Grayson Rodriguez and gives the Orioles a potentially scary, slugging one-two punch with Alonso also joining the division rivals.

In 25 games against the Blue Jays, Ward has hit .250 (19-76) with four doubles, four homers, 12 RBI, and an .828 OPS. His addition to a lineup that will feature Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, and Colton Cowser could make Baltimore one of the most prolific power-hitting teams in the league. 

Cedric Mullins

Blue Jays fans breathed a sigh of relief when Cedric Mullins was traded from the Orioles to the New York Mets last summer. His shine may have worn off his starry 2021 campaign, but he has tormented Blue Jays fans over the years. 

Mullins has hit 16 home runs against the Blue Jays, by far his highest total versus any team. His return to the division as part of a revamped Rays team is something the Blue Jays’ pitching staff will need to prepare for. The 31-year-old remains one of the better baserunners in MLB  and is 12 for 16 in his career in stolen base attempts against Toronto.