As Blue Jays bullpen continues daily struggle, future free agent market provides hope

For the Toronto Blue Jays, their recent surge in offense, along with solid starting pitching led by Bowden Francis, has provided some much-needed optimism for the club as they look ahead to the 2025 season. However, one area that still remains a huge concern is the ongoing daily struggles of their bullpen. On the year, the Jays’ relief corps currently ranks 28th in the league in ERA (4.80), 23rd in WHIP (1.34), 22nd in opponents batting average (.245) and dead last in home runs given up (82).

Just in case we needed any reminders, look no further than to this past Tuesday’s blown game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Leading commandingly 8-4 heading into the final three innings, the Jays’ bullpen somehow managed to give up 6 runs on 7 hits with 4 walks and just 3 strikeouts to close out the game as they ultimately lost 10-9. As good as the team’s offense and starting pitching have been turning out, it would all mean nothing if their relievers end up giving everything back in the end.

As a result, the current state of the Jays’ bullpen need to be rectified if they intend to be successful beyond 2024. As to how it can be accomplished, it should start with a huge makeover following the conclusion of the current season. Fittingly, the upcoming free agent market provides plenty of hope for the Jays with multiple intriguing options available, ranging from solid contributors to elite flamethrowers.

For those among the top tier of the 2024-25 free agent class, the likes of Clay Holmes, Paul Sewald and Tanner Scott will all be available. Right behind them you can also find trusted veteran arms in Carlos Estévez, Kirby Yates and Kenley Jansen. If the Jays are looking into some lefty specialists who happens to be just as effective against righties, both Brent Suter and A.J. Minter should be on the top of their list. Even some under-the-radar options could be just as reliable with the likes of Tommy Kahnle, Dylan Floro and Andrew Kittredge.

Obviously, the Jays won’t be able to add all of them to their roster. But to be able to land at least two or three quality arms among that list would already be deemed a successful offseason. But if there was one reliever that could be classified as a ‘must-get’ for Toronto, that would have to be Tanner Scott.

Compared to some of the other premium relievers available, Scott would be considered more on the younger side, having just turned 30 in July. On top of that, he has currently put together an All-Star season, posting a stellar 9-5 record with a 1.48 ERA, 1.06 WHIP with 70 strikeouts in 60.2 innings pitched split between Miami and San Diego. Moreover, he has been one of the most consistent and reliable relievers in all of baseball for the past two seasons. Therefore, the timing couldn’t be any better as he would fit perfectly into the Jays’ competition window going forward.

No matter what the Jays end up doing to fix their bullpen, it should all start with their pursuit of quality relief arms in free agency. With Jordan Romano likely still in the mix as the team’s closer for 2025, there may not be a strong necessity for a closer-type arm replacement. Therefore, the Jays should go get Scott, Suter and García, and they will be off and running for the upcoming season.