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Blue Jays Rumors: Toronto’s pursuit of Seiya Suzuki now has an AL East rival join the chase

A potential new contender for Toronto has arisen in the Suzuki sweepstakes
ByEdward Eng
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Sep 30, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (27) strikes out in the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Sep 30, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (27) strikes out in the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Toronto Blue Jays want to add a big power bat this offseason, free agent outfielder Seiya Suzuki keeps showing up in the rumors as one of the top names on Toronto’s list. But with this year’s free agent class looking thin, the Blue Jays were always going to have company in the chase.

Now, according to Aaliyan Mohammed of Baseball Now, former GM Jim Bowden believes the Blue Jays may have a serious rival in the AL East. It's reported the Baltimore Orioles are now potentially joining the chase. On a recent episode of GM Territory, Bowden explained why the Orioles would want to add the 32-year-old outfielder so badly.

“Their biggest need is the outfield, which is kind of interesting. They’re also looking for starting pitching, but the outfield is their biggest need … There are a couple of free agent outfielders that make a lot of sense for them. Seiya Suzuki is at the top of the list,” Bowden said.

Why the Orioles could crash the Blue Jays’ pursuit of Seiya Suzuki

Suzuki was solid in 143 games with the Chicago Cubs this past season, hitting .270 with an .841 OPS, 96 runs scored, 31 doubles, 26 home runs and 86 RBI. With those numbers, the 32-year-old slugger has also been nominated as a Silver Slugger finalist. If he does win, it would be the first time he gets the hardware in his five-year MLB career.

The Blue Jays, meanwhile, had no players named as finalists after a dismal offensive showing in 2026. That is exactly why Suzuki would be the perfect fit in their lineup. His numbers put him right alongside Kazuma Okamoto, who had a breakout first season with the Blue Jays this past year. The duo could form a two-headed offensive monster in Toronto's lineup.

However, the Orioles showing some interest could be worrisome for the Blue Jays. The Orioles finished ahead of Toronto in the standings in 2026, and they already have one of the game’s most prolific power hitters in Pete Alonso, whom they signed in free agency last offseason.

With the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays all making the playoffs in 2026, and showing no signs of slowing down, adding Suzuki could turn the Orioles into legitimate contenders again. It would make life even harder for the Blue Jays and they would then be forced to find potentially less impactful alternatives for that clear need to upgrade the outfield.

The Blue Jays need to be proactive in the coming weeks if they want to win the Suzuki sweepstakes. Landing him would give the lineup an instant boost for 2027, and it would keep a division rival from getting stronger at the same time.

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