Blue Jays Rumors: AL contender joins Toronto in pursuit of Jurickson Profar

The Toronto Blue Jays have already lost out on a string of free agent targets this winter, from Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes to Teoscar Hernández and Roki Sasaki. Now, they could be on the cusp of being sniped on yet another player, with the Astros reportedly showing interest in free agent outfielder — and Blue Jays target — Jurickson Profar.

On January 22, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand told the MLB Network that both the Blue Jays and Astros are among the list of teams interested in adding Profar to their rosters before Opening Day. Following the Blue Jays snapping up Anthony Santander earlier this week, Profar is the arguably top free agent outfielder left on the market. With the switch-hitter coming off arguably the best offensive season of his career, Toronto will need to move quick to avoid him becoming the latest name on their list of players that got away.

Both the Blue Jays and Astros both looking to sign free agent Jurickson Profar

In 668 plate appearances with the Padres in 2024, Profar hit .280/.380/.459 with a career-best 24 home runs and 85 RBI to earn the first All-Star selection of his career. His performance at the plate during the Padres' postseason campaign was admittedly less impressive, with the 31-year-old batting just .200 with 1 RBI in 28 plate appearances. However, Profar still entered free agency as a top target for teams looking to add a reliable switch-hitter (especially one with power) to their lineup.

With the Blue Jays having secured Santander on a five-year, $92.5 million deal on January 20, it's unclear how aggressive they will be in pursuing Profar. Toronto is already poised to have a franchise-record Opening Day payroll of $237 million, according to Roster Resource, which is just below the Competitive Balance Tax threshold of $241 million. Signing Profar — or any other free agent — would tip them over the luxury tax threshold, resulting in the Blue Jays paying a 20% tax on all overages, and 32% if those overages exceed $20 million.

There's also the issue of where both Santander and Profar would slot into the outfield. As of right now, newly-acquired Santander will step into left field in 2025, with Daulton Varsho in center and George Springer in right. If the Blue Jays acquire Profar, he would presumably take over in left field while Santander moves to designated hitter, though considering neither of them are strong fielders, they may switch out left and DH between them.

As pointed out by MLB Trade Rumors' Steve Adams, this would likely mean a reduction in playing time for Nathan Lukes and Will Wagner, but it would solidify a power-hitting outfield and designated hitter setup for the Blue Jays.

Meanwhile, the Astros are in real need to outfield support, especially in the wake trading Kyle Tucker to the Cubs on December 13. Adding Profar would significantly bolster their uncertain outfield squad, which currently consists of Jake Meyer in center with Chas McCormick, Taylor Trammell, and Mauricio Dubon trading out the corner spots which is not a unit that should scare anyone at the plate.

If the Blue Jays are serious about acquiring Profar before spring training, moving fast is crucial. The Astros haven't been as aggressive this offseason as they have in previous years, but owner Jim Crane told The Athletic's Chandler Rome that they "have the wherewithal" to exceed the CBT for a second consecutive season if needed. With Profar sitting as the top outfield bat left in free agency at a position in need of real depth, Houston could pounce to secure a good fit.

Perhaps Toronto will ease off now that they have Santander locked in, but if Feinsand is right that Profar is still a target, the team should move on him soon. Otherwise, the Blue Jays risk him becoming yet another name alongside Soto, Burnes, Hernández, and Sasaki as a player they wanted but missed out on.

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