Score: 75/100
Toronto Blue Jays' Offseason Moves: Solid, But Still Looking for the Big Splash
The Toronto Blue Jays made a series of solid moves this offseason, but their attempts to land high-end talent fell short. They were in the mix for some of the biggest free agents but ultimately missed out on the bids. Known for staying within the top 10 in payroll without reaching for the huge contracts, Toronto's offseason strategy has been more about filling needs than making headline-grabbing signings. Despite this, the Blue Jays are set up for a competitive 2025 season. Here's where they stand:
Key Acquisitions:
Andrés Giménez – The Blue Jays' most significant offseason move, adding Giménez brings elite defense to an infield that could use more stability. While his bat didn't provide standout numbers in 2024 (.249, 15 HRs, 62 RBIs), his glove sets him apart. He's one of the best defensive second basemen in the league. His addition shores Toronto's defense but doesn't add the offensive firepower fans hoped for. Prediction: Giménez will hit .245 with 12 home runs, 45 RBIs, and earn a Gold Glove. His impact will be felt through his defense, but his bat may continue to leave questions unanswered.
Eric Lauer – Lauer's solid pitching is a welcome addition to the back end of the rotation. In 2024, he posted a 4.42 ERA with 140 strikeouts in 168 innings. While he's not an ace, his ability to eat innings and contribute effectively to the rotation should be beneficial. Prediction: Lauer will finish with a 4.20 ERA, logging 137+ strikeouts, but won't be the game-changer the Blue Jays were hoping for. He'll be a reliable piece, but not a rotation leader.
Strengths:
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – A cornerstone of the Blue Jays' offense, Guerrero posted an impressive .290 batting average with 36 home runs and 98 RBIs in 2024. His ability to hit for both power and average makes him a mainstay in the middle of the lineup. Prediction: Guerrero will hit .294 with 40+ home runs and 115 RBIs. However, there are whispers about whether he can break through and reach the elite status expected of him. His postseason performance could either solidify or undermine his legacy.
Bo Bichette – Bichette had a stellar 2024 season with a .297 batting average, 28 home runs, and 110 RBIs. His ability to provide power and speed makes him one of the best shortstops in the league. Prediction: Bichette will hit .280 with 25+ home runs, making him a strong MVP contender if he can maintain his consistency. However, a slight dip in power numbers could raise questions about his future as a 30+ HR hitter.
George Springer – Springer posted a solid .260 average with 27 home runs and 76 RBIs in 2024. While he remains one of the Blue Jays' top hitters, his age and injury history remain concerning. Prediction: Springer will hit .255 with 25 home runs and 75 RBIs. His power numbers will stay steady, but his health may limit him to 120 games, a key factor in the Blue Jays' success.
Weaknesses:
Lack of Major Offseason Moves – Despite being in the running for top-tier talent, the Blue Jays lost out on every major bidding war. Historically, Their approach has been to avoid the huge contracts that could elevate the roster. The franchise has never reached a contract over $150 million, and when it came to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s arbitration case, they even quibbled over a mere million dollars. While the roster is solid, the Blue Jays' lack of willingness to break the bank could keep them from landing a truly game-changing player.
Pitching Depth Beyond Gausman – The starting rotation remains solid with Kevin Gausman, but there are still many questions after Gausman. After trading Kikuchi, the team needs Eric Lauer to step up and fill the void. While Chris Bassitt struggled in 2024 (4.80 ERA, 154 strikeouts), he will need to bounce back for the team to compete. Toronto's pitching depth remains a concern and could limit their postseason aspirations.
Supporting Offense – The Blue Jays' offense remains reliant on a few key players. With Teoscar Hernández gone for some time now and the team turning to Ernie Clement for significant contributions in his second season, the offense is still a work in progress. Clement is likely to take over third base in 2025, providing a steady glove and a reliable bat. While he didn't make much noise in 2024 (.245, 3 HRs, 25 RBIs), the Blue Jays hope for a breakout. Prediction: Clement will hit .250 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs, providing moderate offensive help but mainly contributing on defense.
Final Prediction:
The Toronto Blue Jays will finish 79-83 in 2025. While they have some star power in Guerrero, Bichette, and Springer, the roster still lacks the depth and high-end additions that could push them into true contention. Their pitching staff, while solid, still has questions, and their offense remains heavily reliant on a few key players to step up.
Their offseason moves helped fill some gaps, but the Blue Jays' reluctance to make a significant financial commitment or take more considerable risks in the free-agent market could hold them back from taking the next step. While they'll remain competitive, they'll likely fall short of playoff contention, with an up-and-down season that sees them miss the postseason for the second consecutive year.
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