Blue Jays earn 'winter winner' status despite no Tucker or Bichette signings

While the Toronto Blue Jays fell short in signing star outfielder Kyle Tucker and re-signing shortstop Bo Bichette, they still had a strong offseason, at least according to MLB.com. In an article by Mark Feinsand, the Blue Jays were listed as offseason winners. Looking at the full picture, it's understandable why.

Pitching was one of the main concerns for the Blue Jays in the offseason. With Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt entering free agency, as well as Shane Bieber having a player option, that left a lot of questions about what the Blue Jays' starting rotation would look like in 2026. Just days after the end of the World Series, Bieber exercised his $16 million player option with the Blue Jays for 2026.

Blue Jays earn 'winter winner' status despite no Tucker or Bichette signings

With that question answered, the Blue Jays bolstered their starting rotation further a few weeks later when they signed right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease to the largest free agent contract in franchise history at seven-years, $210 million. Cease adds durability to the Blue Jays' rotation, pitching at least 165 innings and striking out over 200 batters in each of the past five seasons.

The Blue Jays added depth to their rotation by signing right-handed pitcher Cody Ponce to a three-year, $30 million contract. While Ponce's MLB resume isn't stellar, he was named the MVP of Korea's KBO in 2025. He also won the Choi Dong-won award for the league's best pitcher. Last season with the Hanwha Eagles, he had a 17-1 record with a 1.89 ERA across 29 starts. He also set the league's single-season strikeout record (252) and single-game record (18).

Toronto also improved its bullpen by signing Tyler Rogers to a three-year, $37 million contract. Since 2020, Rogers has led the majors in relief appearances (403) and innings pitched (406.1). Rogers is known for his submarine delivery. In fact, he has the lowest average vertical release point in MLB (1.33 feet).

That is especially interesting as starting pitcher Trey Yesavage has the highest average vertical release point in MLB (7.11 feet). Being able to pivot between Yesavage and Rogers' radically different release points could give the Blue Jays a big advantage over batters in 2026.

Aside from pitching, the Blue Jays also signed Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 milliion deal. Last season with the Yomiuri Giants, Okamoto batted .327 with 15 home runs. He was limited to 69 games due to a left elbow injury.

Okamoto brings power to the Blue Jays lineup, having led the Japan Central League in home runs in 2020, 2021, and 2023. He also fits in well with the Blue Jays' low strikeout approach, posting an 11.3 per cent strikeout rate in 2025. While he is primarily a third baseman, he also has experience at first base and in the outfield. Okamoto's versatility will play with the likes of Ernie Clement and Addison Barger, giving the Blue Jays plenty of flexibility in the field.

While missing out on Tucker and Bichette stings for Blue Jays fans, Toronto has had a productive offseason that has addressed some of the team's struggles in 2025.