4 experiments the Blue Jays need to try to prepare for 2025

With the end of the current MLB season fast approaching, the Toronto Blue Jays undoubtedly have an important choice to make. Either they nonchalantly play out the remaining meaningless games against non-contenders in their upcoming schedule, or they can actually make the most of it by using those games to prepare for the upcoming 2025 season. If the Jays have any intention to return to being contenders once again for next year, they should jump all over the latter option.

To do so, the Jays should take full advantage of the remaining week to try out certain things that could end up helping them in the future. As a result, here we suggest 4 experiments that would be worth looking into before the season comes to an end. If they all end up working out, it should put the Jays in a lot better position heading into 2025.

See what Yariel Rodríguez can do in the bullpen 

One perplexing yet meaningful experiment the Jays should explore is trying out starter Yariel Rodríguez for a few games in the bullpen. Fans may wonder, why should Toronto even entertain such a move? After all, Rodríguez has done a fine job as a back end of the rotation starter for the Jays this season. In particular, for the month of September, he has compiled a sparkling 1.46 ERA, 0.97 WHIP with 4 walks and 11 strikeouts in 12.1 innings pitched over three starts. 

For one, the Jays’ relief corps have been a complete disaster in 2024, as they will likely need to add multiple pieces this offseason to help right the ship. Rodríguez has shown previously to be a lights-out reliever in his last few seasons in the Japanese League prior to joining the Jays. During that time, he was able to maintain an ERA below three while striking out more than a batter per inning.

In addition, as a reliever, Rodríguez can focus on his bread-and-butter pitches to attack opposing hitters that he won’t likely see more than once through the lineup. By relying more on his fastball and devastating slider, it could make him even more effective in the long run. It would also be less taxing on his body with the fewer innings workload, as he had endured some back issues this past season.

With the Jays having the strong core of Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt and now Bowden Francis set for the rotation in 2025, they may actually need more help in the bullpen. Especially if the Jays end up signing another starter this offseason or have a revitalized and healthy Alek Manoah back next year.