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Blue Jays have two glaring needs that should define their offseason plans

A struggling lineup and an injury-hit rotation leave Toronto with a clear agenda this winter.
ByEdward Eng
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Oct 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays executive vice president and general manager Ross Atkins speaks to the media before game one of the 2025 MLB World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Oct 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays executive vice president and general manager Ross Atkins speaks to the media before game one of the 2025 MLB World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Toronto Blue Jays have some major work to do coming off a last place finish in the American League East. After making it to the World Series in 2025, this result was incredibly disappointing.

There were two main areas of the roster that led to the Blue Jays finishing 79-83, and 19 games behind the division leading Tampa Bay Rays: their lack of power and the injuries to their rotation.

The Blue Jays’ offense was dreadful in 2026. Toronto ranked dead last in the entire league in runs scored (648), triples (8) and home runs (152), and second-last in the MLB in walks (459) and OPS (.691). It was a far cry from the overall effective hitting formula from the previous season.

Veteran star George Springer had a down season with the Blue Jays in 2026, but he still managed to finish second on the team in home runs with 15, third in walks with 47, and fourth in runs scored with 59 and RBIs with 54. With Springer now heading into free agency this offseason, it has left the Blue Jays with an even bigger void to fill in their offense.

In terms of candidates in the free agent market, the odds-on favourites from the free agent market has been trending on the likes of Seiya Suzuki, Randy Arozarena and Japanese star Teruaki Sato.

Toronto could even turn to the trade route and consider making moves with their divison rivals since everyone in the AL East is looking to get better next year and have some things their rivals need. No matter how the Blue Jays approach the offseason, they need to get one power bat or more by the time Opening Day rolls around.

Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta could greatly reinforce Blue Jays pitching depth

Last year, the Blue Jays thought they had enough starting pitching depth to get through the season - or at least to the trade deadline. One week in, they were scrambling to find enough guys to throw and relied on in-season replacements such as Patrick Corbin. They also used a bullpen day several times throughout the year.

The Blue Jays need to once again making pitching a priority this offseason. Toronto can either go all-in and recruit difference makers in Tarik Skubal, Brandon Woodruff or Freddy Peralta. They could also go after depth options such as reuniting with fan favourite Kevin Gausman.

Either way, there are enough proven options available on the free agent market that the Blue Jays shouldn’t enter camp looking desperate for a need to fill out innings.

As it stands now, the Blue Jays have Dylan Cease, José Soriano and Trey Yesavage pencilled in for three spots in their 2027 starting rotation. How much Cody Ponce and José Berríos can bounce back from their injuries last season remains to be seen. Bowden Francis, Jake Bloss and Ricky Tiedemann could also be names to watch, while they could also explore the idea of bringing back the injury-riddled Shane Bieber.

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