3 moves the Blue Jays should make after striking out on Alex Bregman

The Toronto Blue Jays were in dire need of one more big splash to round out the offseason, and seemed to have a chance to make it thanks to Alex Bregman lingering in free agency. That changed Wednesday night when Alex Bregman landed with the Boston Red Sox in a move that makes it feel as if the Jays missed out in a big way to improve their roster.

Nevertheless, there are still some ways that Toronto can improve its roster before the season officially starts.

3 moves the Blue Jays should make after striking out on Alex Bregman

Trade for a potential difference maker

While the Blue Jays showed that they're interested in competing this season by adding veteran starter Max Scherzer and power-hitting Anthony Santander, there's still room for them to add one more star to this roster.

That said, there's a limited big-name players left in free agency so they'd need to add that difference-maker through trade. If their prime target is to upgrade the infield, Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals still remains a viable option since he can contribute on both sides of the field as a former Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner and eight-time All-Star.

But if they're looking to improve in the outfield, then they should consider going after Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox. Robert's available to get from the rebuilding White Sox, and there were reports earlier this winter indicating that the Blue Jays expressed interest in the blooming 27-year-old star. Robert's a true five-tool player and would be a massive upgrade to the Toronto lineup.

Either way, Toronto should consider making one of these these deals to instill some much-needed hope and confidence in the organization and fanbase going forward.

Sign one more veteran power bat

The Jays’ offense has been the club's main Achilles heel in the past couple of seasons, so adding another power bat would do wonders to the lineup. With the free agent market becoming more and more bare by the day, there's one player who we think it would make sense to take a flier on: J.D. Martinez.

Martinez is one of the most consistent offensive producrers over the past decade, and has average nearly 30 home runs and 100 RBI each season over a full 162-game schedule for much of his 14-year career.. Last year, he needed extended spring training after signing late with the New York Mets, and hit .235 with16 home runs and 69 RBI in 120 games played.

With the proper buildup in spring training, Martinez shouldn’t run into the same issues as 2024. So if the Jays were wise, they should get a deal done with the 37-year-old veteran as soon as possible to give him ample time to ramp up his activities and be in the best shape heading into season. More importantly, Spotrac projects that Martinez will make a shade under $10 million, so he would be the perfect value signing for the Blue Jays.

Sign one more proven bullpen arm

The Jays have already overhauled their bullpen for this season by adding Jeff Hoffman, Nick Sandlin and Josh Walker, while bringing back reliable veteran Yimi García after trading him away at the deadline last year.

Nevertheless, despite all of the offseason moves in recruiting relief arms, it appears as though only Hoffman, Sandlin, García, Chad Green, Erik Swanson, and Yariel Rodríguez have spots locked up for 2025. But rather than see which internal candidates can step up and fill in those open spots, it might be even better if the Jays can bring in an arm from free agency to bolster their bullpen even more.

With that, guys with closer experience are available (Craig Kimbrel and Kyle Finnegan), while more multi-use relievers like Jakob Junis and former Jay Ryan Yarbrough are available and could both perform as a swingman and start games if needed.

Adding one more proven arm to the Jays' bullpen could go a long way in re-establishing what used to be a strength just two years ago.