3 unsigned Blue Jays free agents who could still return for the 2025 season

The Toronto Blue Jays have had an interesting offseason, with fans wondering if the front office truly knows what direction they want to go in for the 2025 season. As they try to fight their way back into playoff contention following a 74-88 record last season which placed them dead last in the AL East, they have made some moves to try and bolster their depth. They do still have some familiar options they could bring back, too, if said players don’t sign anywhere else before camp breaks.

Bringing back Yimi Garcia, as well as acquiring both Andrés Gimenez and Nick Sandlin, were strong moves that should benefit the Blue Jays in a big way. They still lack the pitching depth needed to be considered a true championship contender, but they’ve started to bolster their bullpen, with Jeff Hoffman serving as a warning to the rest of the league that they're still willing and able to pay top dollar for upgrades (and can close high-profile deals). These three former Jays who remain free agents this offseason wouldn't represent similarly seismic moves, but Toronto could still consider bringing them back for added depth.

3 familiar Blue Jays free agents who Toronto could still bring back

Ryan Yarbrough 

On July 30, 2024, the Blue Jays decided to trade Kevin Kiermaier to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In exchange, they received pitcher Ryan Yarbrough. Yarbrough, who is 33 years old, remains a free agent this offseason after failing to reach a new agreement with the Blue Jays. With the Jays last season, he posted a 2.31 ERA and added 26 strikeouts through 31.1 innings pitched, as well as a 1-0 record. 

If the Blue Jays wanted to bolster their bullpen, he was a solid arm for them and could be a safe bet to help them close out games. If no other team gives him an offer, the Blue Jays should swoop in and try to bring him back. His stats show he is a solid and trustworthy arm, and should be welcomed back if he's interested in a reunion.

Paolo Espino

The second player that could return this season is pitcher Paolo Espino. Espino, who is 38 years old, had an 8.31 ERA and a 0-1 record with three strikeouts in 8.2 innings pitched with the Blue Jays last season. As a veteran, he may be a cost-effective addition to the bullpen as he tries to find his game again after a brutal 2024 campaign. 

He has a career record of 5-15 with an ERA of 5.12, so while he isn’t the greatest option, the Blue Jays could benefit from the flexibility of adding him back to their depth chart. He is someone who may sign for less money in hopes of securing a redemption shot after that tough campaign, potentially even considering a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training. 

Dillon Tate

The third player who could return this season is pitcher Dillon Tate, who spent the 2024 season split between the Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles. Between the two, he posted a 4.66 ERA with 27 strikeouts through 36.2 innings pitched. For a team lacking bullpen depth, he is another arm they should consider signing. 

At 30 years old, he has a career ERA of 4.09, adding 170 strikeouts through 215.2 innings pitched. During his stint with the Blue Jays, he struggled, posting a 5.40 ERA through 3.1 innings pitched, but he is another pitcher who may be cost-effective and could provide strength on their depth chart. 

At the end of the day, the Blue Jays need to try and find a way to bolster their bullpen. They won’t be able to win a World Series with the current situation they’re in, so bringing in new arms would be a step in the right direction.