Coming into the upcoming MLB offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays are going to be an intriguing staff to control. After taking the Los Angeles Dodgers to Recreation 7 of the World Collection a yr in the past, the staff took a major step again.
Sports activities Illustrated’s Maddy Dickens recognized Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki as one of the best free-agent match to switch key departures and reverse the Blue Jays’ league-worst offense in 2026.
Dickens, writing for SI’s Blue Jays website, pointed to the membership’s stagnant lineup as the first cause Toronto completed 79-83 and final within the AL East, lacking the playoffs.
Offensive Shortcomings Outlined 2026 Season
The Blue Jays ranked thirtieth in MLB in house runs (152), runs scored (648) and RBI (616). In addition they completed twenty ninth in walks (459), twenty sixth in slugging proportion (.381) and twenty eighth in OPS (.692).
Solely third baseman Kazuma Okamoto cleared 15 house runs, ending with 33.
Designated hitter George Springer, a free agent, hit 15 house runs in 126 video games whereas batting .249 with a .726 OPS. Dickens famous that even when Springer returns at age 37 or 38, he would possible shift to a decreased position moderately than function the first DH.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. managed simply 9 house runs, underscoring the broader energy drought throughout the roster.
Suzuki’s Manufacturing Provides Clear Improve for Blue Jays
Suzuki, 32, completed his five-year, $85 million contract with the Cubs by hitting .270 with 26 house runs, 31 doubles, 86 RBI and 81 walks in 143 video games. His .368 on-base proportion and .841 OPS ranked among the many higher marks for a nook outfielder in a skinny free-agent class for hitters.
These 26 house runs would have ranked second on the 2026 Blue Jays, behind solely Okamoto, whereas his 81 walks would have led the membership.
Dickens highlighted Suzuki’s mixture of energy and plate self-discipline as the precise treatment for a lineup that struggled to each slug and attain base. The best-handed bat might fill proper discipline or DH, offering roster flexibility as Toronto evaluates Springer’s standing and the well being of Anthony Santander.
A number of retailers have linked the Blue Jays to Suzuki since late September, when The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon reported that Toronto is predicted to pursue him. Bleacher Report and different analysts have additionally named the Blue Jays among the many most obvious touchdown spots for the three-time Silver Slugger finalist.
Suzuki has posted at the very least 20 house runs and a wRC+ of 123 or increased in every of the previous 4 seasons after an injury-shortened 2022 debut. His profession line of .269/.351/.472 and 128 wRC+ displays constant manufacturing since arriving from Japan.
With greater than $60 million in commitments probably coming off the books, normal supervisor Ross Atkins has the payroll room to make an early splash, in response to a number of observers. Dickens concluded that signing a confirmed bat like Suzuki addresses the muse of the lineup earlier than different offseason priorities.
Toronto’s entrance workplace has proven willingness to spend aggressively in latest winters, together with the additions of Dylan Stop and Okamoto forward of 2026.
Whether or not Suzuki chooses Toronto stays open, however SI’s evaluation frames him because the clearest accessible resolution to the ability and on-base points that outlined a disappointing season.
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