Blue Jays believed to be shopping for big name pitchers in the offseason

It's been a common theme over the past few off-season's, the Toronto Blue Jays want a pitcher and they want a guy who can be difference maker. Just a few months ago, they were believed to be top suitors for Corbin Burnes, before he landed in Arizona. Toronto pivoted to Max Scherzer and it's a move that looks like it is paying off as Scherzer is putting together a string of successful outings since returning from a thumb injury in June.

No matter how this season ends for the Blue Jays, 2026 will bring along a new set of challenges and Toronto will likely once again be looking to add to their starting rotation. Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer are expected to leave via free agency. While the Blue Jays do have some internal candidates that could compete for those roles, Alek Manoah, Trey Yesavage, Bowden Francis, Adam Macko, Jake Bloss and Rickey Tiedemann all come to mind (if healthy), but there's something special about signing a big time free agent arm that could jump right to the top of your rotation.

MLB.com recently looked at the ten biggest names that will set the free agent market this winter, and within those names are some ace-type pitchers, whom the insiders believe will be on Toronto's radar.

Blue Jays believed to be shopping for big name pitchers in the offseason

1. Framber Valdez, LHP, Astros (age 32)

The Blue Jays entered the 2025 season without a left handed starter in their rotation, and their current makeup doesn't have one either. Eric Lauer is the only southpaw who has pitched meaningful innings for the Blue Jays as a starter this year and Toronto could be looking to diversify their makeup going into 2026. The fact that Valdez is a lefty is just the tip of the iceberg for why the Blue Jays would be interested in the current ace of the Astros rotation.

Valdez has a 3.16 ERA over 148 games since becoming a full-time starter in 2020. He's a proven postseason performer, pitching in the playoffs in five straight seasons (likely six this year) and he's got a World Series ring for his efforts as well. The Astros, the Blue Jays and the Orioles were named as fits and while he would be a very expensive signing, the fact that he is going to be 33 next season could mean a shorter term deal for the native of Dominican Republic.

2. Michael King, RHP, Padres (age 30)

King doesn't have as long of a track record as Valdez, but over the past two seasons he's been excellent in San Diego's rotation. He's posted a 2.92 ERA in just over 230 innings pitched with 266 strikeouts a 1.167 WHIP and 0.9 HR/9 rate. He's been held to just 11 starts this season due to an injury, but if he bounces back strongly and helps the Padres have a deep October run, he'll likely decline his $15 million mutual option and become a free agent. The Blue Jays and both of his former teams, the Padres and the Yankees, are expected to pursue the 30 year-old.

3. Dylan Cease, RHP , Padres (age 30)

Another member of the Padres rotation that is set to test free agency once the season concludes, Cease has been inconsistent in 2025. In 25 starts he has a 4.61 ERA, even though his strikeout percentage and whiff rate are among the best in the big leagues. What's hurt him is inability to keep the ball in the ball park this year, having given up 19 home runs this season, surpassing his total from last year and matching his total from the year before - with still over a month of games to play.

He's also given up his fair share of walks with a 3.8 BB/9 rate this season. Regardless, he's on track to make 32 starts again this year, which would be the fifth straight season he has done that. Knowing how much the Blue Jays value durability, Cease is a guy the Blue Jays are expected to go after, along with the Giants and the Orioles.

4. Ranger Suárez, LHP, Phillies (age 30)

Going into the season, Suárez was expected to be a guy who would command a decent free agent deal if he didn't resign with the Phillies, but he may have earned himself "top of the market" status thanks to his fantastic first half of the season. Suárez pitched to a 2.15 ERA in 13 starts allowing just 20 earned runs in 83.2 innings with 78 strikeouts.

While his K/9 rate of 8.4 has remained consistent in the second half, he's allowed more earned runs (23) in less innings (35) in six starts since the break. That could diminish what he gets somewhat on the open market - but he's also got a chance to pitch deep into October on a Phillies team that looks poised to make some noise in the postseason. He also represents a left handed option for the Blue Jays, while the Giants and the Angels figure to be in the mix for Suárez who would fit in as a reliable No. 2 or 3 starter.