The Toronto Blue Jays missed the 2026 playoffs, a 12 months after blowing a ninth-inning lead in World Collection Sport 7.
Toronto completed 78-83 this 12 months and its offense struggled all through the season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s bat didn’t work a lot of the time, producing one of many worst seasons of his profession.
Supervisor John Schneider wants so as to add offensive gamers this offseason. Administration has already narrowed its checklist of candidates, in response to a supply accustomed to the staff’s planning.
Blue Jays Anticipated to Pursue Chicago Cubs’ Proper Fielder
The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon first reported the staff’s plans.
“This offseason, stated a league supply who spoke on situation of anonymity in an effort to focus on offseason plans, the Jays are anticipated to pursue Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki,” he wrote. “His 26 homers would’ve ranked second on the Jays this 12 months and his .841 OPS would’ve led all certified Jays by almost 80 factors.”
“Toronto will even definitely examine in with Teruaki Sato, a strong left-handed third baseman/outfielder anticipated to be posted by Nippon Skilled Baseball’s Hanshin Tigers this offseason,” Bannon added. “Signing both Sato or Suzuki would deliver energy to a nook spot for Toronto, whereas additionally making the Jays really related within the Japanese market.”
Suzuki matches Toronto’s largest want. The Blue Jays hit a league-worst 150 residence runs in 2026. Suzuki has hit 20 or extra residence runs in 4 straight seasons. His profession OPS stands at .823.
His present contract expires after this season, making him a free agent. The Cubs signed him for 5 years and $85 million in 2022.
Toronto might pair him with Guerrero to rebuild its center of the order. George Springer’s function for 2027 stays unresolved, including urgency to the seek for outfield assist.
Sato provides extra offensive upside however carries extra threat. He has by no means performed within the majors. Beneath MLB’s posting system, the Hanshin Tigers should first make him obtainable to main league groups.
Suzuki’s four-year observe file makes him the lower-risk choice for a staff wanting to return to rivalry.
Center Infield Additionally Beneath Assessment
Bannon additionally reported the Jays are exploring infield upgrades.
“The Jays, stated a staff supply who spoke on situation on anonymity to explain the membership’s interior workings, mentioned a transfer for a big center infielder at this 12 months’s commerce deadline.”
Ernie Clement and Andrés Giménez anchored Toronto’s center infield in 2026. Clement hit .259 with a .649 OPS. Giménez batted .245 with a .653 OPS.
Many analysts urged the Blue Jays to commerce Clement. A confirmed center infielder would give Schneider extra lineup flexibility and shield in opposition to one other offensive stoop.
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