Blue Jays' financial strength might mean nothing until they make this radical change

The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off of a rough season where they had a record of 74-88 and finished at the bottom of the AL East. While they would like to make it back to the playoffs in 2025, they would need to be willing to spend big in hopes of bringing in a big-name free agent. Unfortunately, their financial situation might mean nothing if they don't make a massive change and soon.

The front office needs to be gutted and changed entirely. Ross Atkins is not the person who will be able to take the Blue Jays to a World Series as he has shown his inability to attract players to Toronto, and he hasn't been able to build consistent success.

Blue Jays miss out on Soto, Burnes and more disappointment appears to be on the way without a front office change

The Blue Jays were expected to be in on several big-name free agents yet again this offseason, after missing out on Shohei Ohtani last season as he joined the Dodgers on a massive deferred contract. With more names available on the free agent market, they decided to pursue superstar Juan Soto.

Soto decided to sign with the New York Mets on the largest contract in MLB history, inking a 15-year deal worth a total of $765 million. After missing out, the Blue Jays were connected to starting pitcher Corbin Burnes, who spent the 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles. Unfortunately, he chose to sign for less money to join the Diamondbacks.

While there are still other options available, it became obvious to Blue Jays fans that the issue may not be money when it comes to free agents and choosing their new team. With Burnes leaving money on the table, it is clear there are other issues at hand that are pushing players away, making them a less appealing organization.

Aside from missing out on free agents, the biggest issue the team faces is the impending contract situations surrounding both Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Those two have been the faces of Toronto baseball for several seasons, and have been the keys to any success the team has had in recent campaigns. Unfortunately, it seems like a real possibility that both of them could end up on new teams at some point soon due to the front office's inability to spend big on their extensions.

Missing out on free agents is one thing, because at least making a pitch and making an offer to big-name players proves the team is trying to improve. However, that doesn't mean anything if they can't keep their players around, especially two stars who were grown in their minor league system and have remained with the Blue Jays for their entire career.

Realistically, the Blue Jays would be much better off to get rid of Atkins. His constant micromanaging of the staff on the field has impacted the team previously and his decision making has costed them a chance at having a legitimate championship contender any time soon. Being open to spending big doesn't matter if players don't respect the front office and have no desire to deal with an organization that is a mess.

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