The Washington Nationals have joined the Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays in expressing interest in free-agent infielder Gleyber Torres, according to the New York Post. Washington has explored the possibility of Torres moving to third base, a position he has only played briefly in the minors and never in the Major Leagues. The Nationals' current infield setup includes Luis García at second base and CJ Abrams at shortstop, with trade deadline acquisition José Tena penciled in as next year's third baseman and top prospect Brady House also primarily playing third base.


Torres, who turns 28 later this month, is among the youngest free agents available this offseason. Despite a down year with the New York Yankees in 2024, where he slashed .257/.330/.378, Torres showed promise after being moved to the leadoff spot in August and again during the postseason. He has a strong history of power hitting and maintains better-than-average strikeout rates. Given his age and his underwhelming 2024 performance, Torres might be open to a short-term "prove it" contract to rebuild his value and re-enter free agency in 2025.


The Nationals' interest in Torres highlights their ongoing efforts to bolster their lineup with experienced talent to complement their young core, which includes promising players like James Wood, Dylan Crews, and CJ Abrams. Adding a veteran like Torres could provide the offensive spark and leadership needed to help guide their young team to greater success.

Right-hander Corbin Burnes entered this offseason as the top rotation option available in free agency. However, with last night's reported agreement between the Yankees and Max Fried, Burnes now stands as the only ace-level pitcher remaining on the open market. This position should strengthen Burnes' chances of exceeding MLBTR’s projected seven-year, $200 million contract.


While the Boston Red Sox reportedly made a formal offer for Burnes yesterday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com characterized the Blue Jays and Giants as the “most aggressive” teams in their pursuit of the star pitcher. Feinsand also noted that the Red Sox appear hesitant to spend at the level necessary to land Burnes.


Toronto, considered the “favorite” to sign Burnes, has been active in the free-agent market this winter. They recently agreed to terms with right-hander Yimi Garcia and traded for infielder Andres Gimenez and righty Nick Sandlin from the Guardians. These moves helped address the bullpen and infield, but the rotation remains a priority. The Jays traded lefty Yusei Kikuchi at the deadline, face the potential free agency departure of Chris Bassitt next winter, and saw Kevin Gausman regress last year. Given these needs, adding a top-of-the-rotation arm like Burnes makes sense.


Similarly, the Giants have a significant gap in their rotation after losing southpaw Blake Snell to the Dodgers. While San Francisco has been active in the upper levels of free agency in recent years, they may face financial challenges. Rumors suggest the Giants might scale back payroll this winter, making it difficult to sign Burnes. Sources told Feinsand they were skeptical about San Francisco outbidding Toronto if the Jays are determined to secure Burnes.


Interestingly, Feinsand’s report highlights the Red Sox's apparent pessimism as a suitor for Burnes. Despite their plans to be aggressive this offseason, particularly in pursuit of front-of-the-rotation arms, the Sox may be hesitant to invest heavily in Burnes. With Fried and Snell off the market, Burnes is the last clear ace available. If they miss out, the Red Sox could pursue a reunion with right-hander Nick Pivetta, though his 4.29 ERA over five seasons doesn't fit a front-of-the-rotation profile.

In a surprising move at the Winter Meetings, the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Guardians have reached an agreement on a four-player trade that will send second baseman Andrés Giménez to Toronto. Alongside Giménez, the Blue Jays will also acquire reliever Nick Sandlin. In return, the Guardians will receive infielder Spencer Horwitz and outfield prospect Nick Mitchell. No cash is changing hands in this deal, meaning the Blue Jays will absorb the remaining five years of Giménez's contract. The teams have yet to officially announce the deal.


This unexpected trade marks the first significant shakeup of the Winter Meetings. While Cleveland's willingness to trade high-priced players is not entirely unprecedented, there had been little indication that they were open to moving their Gold Glove second baseman. Giménez had appeared to be a cornerstone for the Guardians, having signed a seven-year, $106.5 million extension just two seasons ago.


Giménez, known for his defensive prowess, is on the move for the second time in his career. He began his career with the New York Mets, where his versatile skill set made him one of the organization's top prospects. The Guardians acquired him, along with Amed Rosario, as part of the trade package for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco during the 2020-21 offseason.


For the Blue Jays, adding a player of Giménez's caliber bolsters their infield defense and provides a reliable bat. Sandlin, meanwhile, brings additional depth to Toronto's bullpen. On the other side, the Guardians will benefit from the promising talents of Horwitz and Mitchell as they continue to build for the future.

Free-agent second baseman Gleyber Torres is attracting interest from several teams, including the Angels and Blue Jays, according to MLB Network.

Torres, 27, had a solid season with the Yankees, posting a .257/.330/.378 slash line (101 OPS+) with 26 doubles, 15 homers, 63 RBIs, 80 runs, and 1.8 WAR. Throughout his career, Torres has demonstrated significant power, hitting at least 24 homers in a season four times, including an impressive 38-homer campaign in 2019. While his power numbers dipped last year, he showed marked improvement as the season progressed.


In August, Torres hit .276/.363/.357, followed by an impressive .333/.387/.472 in September. His strong finish earned him the role of leadoff hitter for the Yankees during the playoffs, where he got on base multiple times in nine of the Yankees' 14 playoff games.


The Angels and Blue Jays, among other teams, are now eyeing Torres as a potential addition to bolster their rosters. Torres' blend of power, batting skill, and playoff experience makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to enhance their infield and offensive lineup.

The Toronto Blue Jays have reached an agreement with right-hander Yimi García on a two-year, $15 million deal, reports Ari Alexander of KPRC 2. García, who is represented by the Nova Sports Agency, will be returning to the Blue Jays without the need for a corresponding move, as the team has openings on their 40-man roster.

García, 34, was a reliable arm in the Blue Jays' bullpen during the first half of the 2024 season before being traded to the Seattle Mariners. Over his career, García has posted a 3.44 ERA with nine saves and 179 strikeouts in 163 appearances with Toronto. His return is seen as a positive step towards rebuilding the bullpen, especially after longtime closer Jordan Romano signed with the Philadelphia Phillies 


The Blue Jays are expected to make additional moves to strengthen their bullpen, but García's re-signing provides a solid foundation to build upon. Fans can look forward to seeing García back in a high-leverage role, contributing to the team's success in the upcoming seasons.

Left-hander Max Fried is one of the top remaining free agents this offseason, and it seems his decision could be coming soon. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Fried is expected to choose his next team by Thursday. The Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays are currently seen as the frontrunners in the race to sign the talented southpaw. Additionally, right-hander Corbin Burnes is attracting interest from the same three clubs, with the Giants also in the mix for Burnes, though not for Fried. The Rangers are mentioned as a potential destination for Fried, but this is considered a long shot, while the Angels, like the Giants, are not finalists for Fried.


It's perhaps not surprising that the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays, who were all finalists in the pursuit of Juan Soto, are now the leading contenders for Fried. The general expectation across the baseball world has been that teams with significant financial resources would focus on Soto until his situation was resolved. Now that Soto has signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets, attention has shifted to other top free agents like Fried.


Each of these three teams is looking to make a big splash this offseason, though their motivations differ. The Yankees recently made it to the World Series but suffered a deflating five-game loss to the Dodgers, highlighting the need for improvements. They also lost last year's major acquisition, Soto, to their crosstown rivals, the Mets. The Red Sox have been reducing payroll in recent years, leading to lackluster results, but they now seem motivated to reassert themselves as major players in the market. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, have consistently performed well in the regular season from 2020 to 2023 but have faced disappointing ends to their campaigns, including narrow playoff misses and early exits. They followed up with a dismal 2024 season, finishing at the bottom of the AL East.

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As Fried's decision looms, it will be intriguing to see which team ultimately secures his services and how this move impacts the competitive landscape in the league. With the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays all vying for Fried, fans can expect an exciting conclusion to this free agency saga. Stay tuned for updates as we await Fried's final decision and the subsequent ripple effects across MLB.

Recent reports have suggested that the Blue Jays have had only limited interest in reuniting with Teoscar Hernandez, focusing instead on Juan Soto and Anthony Santander for their outfield upgrades. However, GM Ross Atkins has made a more definitive statement about the Jays' stance on Hernandez, suggesting that the door is not completely closed.


"There are so many positives about him that we are definitely interested in figuring out a way for that to be a possibility," Atkins told Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star and other reporters.


Hernandez's career path took a significant turn at the July 2017 trade deadline when he was traded from the Houston Astros to the Toronto Blue Jays along with Nori Aoki for veteran reliever Francisco Liriano. This trade proved beneficial for both sides, as Liriano contributed to the Astros' World Series victory, while Hernandez blossomed into a power hitter over six seasons with Toronto. During his tenure with the Blue Jays, Hernandez hit .263/.320/.503 with 129 home runs in 2,419 plate appearances, earning two AL Silver Slugger honors.

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As the Blue Jays continue to explore their options for outfield upgrades, the possibility of a reunion with Hernandez remains on the table. His performance history and familiarity with the team could make him a valuable addition to the roster once again. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Blue Jays' outfield strategy unfolds in the coming weeks.

The free-agent market is buzzing with interest in outfielder Anthony Santander, particularly from the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox. Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports that these three teams, having recently missed out on Juan Soto, are now turning their attention to Santander.


The connection makes sense, as all three clubs are looking to strengthen their outfield after falling short in the Soto sweepstakes. Soto was the crown jewel of this winter's free-agent outfield market, towering above the rest of the available players. With Soto now off the board, teams are pivoting to other high-impact options like Santander, Teoscar Hernández, Jurickson Profar, Tyler O’Neill, and Michael Conforto. Notably, O’Neill and Conforto have already signed, leaving Santander as a prime target.


Santander, 30, may not match Soto's youth or plate discipline, but his power is undeniable. Over the past three seasons, he has consistently hit at least 28 home runs per year, including a remarkable 44 homers in the most recent campaign. This brings his total to 105 home runs from 2022-24. His .244/.317/.478 batting line over that period translates to a 124 wRC+, indicating he was 24% better than the league average. Additionally, his 8.5% walk rate is league average, while his 20.5% strikeout rate is slightly better than average.


It's no surprise that Santander is attracting significant interest given his production. His ability to switch-hit without strong platoon splits adds to his appeal. As a righty against lefties, he hit .239/.309/.513 in 2024 for a 132 wRC+. Against righties, he posted a .225/.306/.488 line for a 123 wRC+. Over his career, he has a 111 wRC+ against lefties and 116 against righties, showcasing his versatility.

According to BeisbolFR's Francys Romero, former Chicago White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada is generating significant interest in the free agent market. Among the teams showing real interest in Moncada are the Toronto Blue Jays.


Moncada, who was limited to just 12 games in 2024 due to injuries, has had a tumultuous career plagued by various physical setbacks. Despite this, his potential and past performance continue to attract attention from MLB teams. The Blue Jays, in particular, are keen on exploring Moncada's capabilities, hoping he can regain his form and contribute to their lineup.


The Blue Jays' current third baseman, Ernie Clement, has shown solid defensive skills, but the team is looking for more offensive production at the position. Moncada, once a top prospect and a key player in the trade that sent Chris Sale to the White Sox, could be a valuable addition if he can stay healthy.

The Toronto Blue Jays recently held an in-person meeting with free agent right-hander Corbin Burnes, as reported by MLB Network's Jon Morosi. Toronto has been linked to Burnes earlier this offseason, but this direct engagement signals the seriousness of their pursuit. Burnes is among several high-profile free agents connected to the Blue Jays, including Juan Soto, Max Fried, Anthony Santander, Willy Adames, and Alex Bregman.

There is a growing sentiment within the industry that the Blue Jays are highly motivated, perhaps even desperate, to make a significant splash in the free agent or trade market this offseason. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette entering their final years of club control, and Chris Bassitt becoming a free agent next winter, the team faces an urgency to strengthen their roster. Additionally, Kevin Gausman’s contract runs through 2026, adding to the pressure on the current management, as team president Mark Shapiro enters the final year of his contract and general manager Ross Atkins is signed through 2026. Despite nearly a decade at the helm, they have not secured a postseason win since 2016, leading to increased speculation about their job security.


While it is hard to envision the Blue Jays committing over $600 million for Soto and then another $200 million+ for Burnes, the team appears to be preparing contingency plans in case Soto chooses another suitor such as New York, Boston, or Los Angeles. Instead, the Jays could use the same financial commitment to extend Guerrero, sign one of Burnes or Fried, and also add Adames, Bregman, or Santander. This diversified approach might mitigate the risk associated with a single large contract, although it comes with the trade-off of signing players older than the 26-year-old Soto, who are more likely to decline sooner.

​Focusing specifically on Burnes, he would provide a significant upgrade to the Blue Jays’ already strong rotation, which includes Gausman, Bassitt, and Jose Berrios. Burnes, who pitched 194 1/3 innings with a 2.92 ERA for the Orioles last season, would create one of the best one-through-four rotations in baseball. Right-handers Bowden Francis and Yariel Rodriguez would then compete for the fifth spot. Given Toronto's lack of experienced rotation depth, adding a durable workhorse like Burnes—who ranks third in the majors in innings pitched and fourth in ERA since 2020—would be a considerable asset.

A few weeks ago, the Toronto Blue Jays decided not to tender a contract to right-hander Jordan Romano, allowing him to enter free agency instead of keeping him for his final season of club control. Despite this move, general manager Ross Atkins has stated that the Jays are "interested in him and will be heavily pursuing his return, and hope that that’s a potential reality," as reported by Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic.

Romano, who turns 32 in April, had a strong three-year stint as the closer for the Blue Jays from 2021 to 2023. During this period, he accumulated 95 saves, pitching 186 innings with an impressive 2.37 ERA, a 30.3% strikeout rate, a 9.2% walk rate, and a 42.3% ground ball rate.


However, the 2024 season was a challenging one for Romano, who struggled with right elbow inflammation. He made only 15 appearances and posted a 6.59 ERA, striking out just 21% of the batters he faced. Romano underwent arthroscopic surgery on his elbow in July and was unable to return for the remainder of the season.

Romano earned $7.75 million in 2024, and MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected the same salary for 2025. Given his rough 2024 campaign, the Blue Jays were hesitant to bet on a rebound at that salary. They also explored trade options but found no teams willing to take on Romano at that price and offer something significant in return.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Romano's health, Atkins has expressed confidence in his recovery and potential contribution in 2025. The Blue Jays' bullpen struggled significantly in 2024, posting a collective 4.82 ERA, which was only better than the Rockies. Strengthening the bullpen will be crucial for the team as they aim to rebound next season.

​Assuming Romano is healthy, he could provide much-needed stability to the Blue Jays' relief corps and help the team improve its performance in 2025.

Infielder Michael Stefanic and right-handed pitcher Kevin Gowdy have agreed to Minor League contracts with invitations to Spring Training.

Stefanic, 28, was outrighted by the Angels to Triple-A Salt Lake on October 24 and chose to become a free agent. Over 90 games with the Angels from 2022 to 2024, he posted a .591 OPS.

​Gowdy, 27, elected free agency on November 4 after spending the past two seasons in the Dodgers' Minor League system. The former second-round pick by the Phillies in the 2016 Draft has yet to make his Major League debut.

The buzz around MLB's offseason is heating up, and one name that's causing quite a stir is superstar outfielder Juan Soto. While the Toronto Blue Jays were initially seen as a "dark horse, at best," in the race to acquire Soto, recent reports suggest that they might actually be leading the pack.

SportsNet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith had previously noted Toronto's slim chances, but SNY’s Andy Martino reported on Monday that there is a "widespread belief among bidders that Toronto will come in with the highest offer." This sentiment was echoed by MLB Network Radio's Jim Duquette, who mentioned hearing from multiple sources that the Blue Jays are expected to be the top bidders.

Despite some skepticism about Soto's willingness to sign with the Blue Jays, Martino reported that a source indicated Soto is open to joining any team involved in the final bidding process. This shifts the narrative, suggesting that if the Blue Jays present a compelling offer, they could indeed land the coveted player.

What remains uncertain is whether Soto will sign with the team offering the highest bid or if other factors will influence his decision. MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi added that sources believe Soto will make his decision within the next 10 days, intensifying the anticipation.

Soto is reportedly considering offers from five teams: the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Dodgers, and the Blue Jays. Each of these teams brings its own allure and potential, but the Blue Jays' aggressive pursuit has put them in a spotlight they hadn't initially occupied.

​As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on Soto and the teams vying for his signature. The Blue Jays' potential to make a game-changing move this offseason has added an exciting twist to an already dramatic storyline.

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly one of five teams vying for superstar free agent Juan Soto. However, they are not solely focused on Soto this offseason. According to SportsNet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, the Blue Jays are also expressing interest in third baseman Alex Bregman, outfielder Anthony Santander, left-hander Max Fried, and right-hander Luis Severino.

A Critical Offseason for Toronto
This offseason is crucial for the Blue Jays, especially following a disappointing 2024 campaign. Despite moving several players at the Trade Deadline, the team retained most of its top trade candidates with the goal of contending in 2025, which marks the final year under club control for key players Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.

Roster Reinforcements Needed
To remain competitive, the Blue Jays will need to bolster their roster after finishing with a 74-88 record, the fourth-worst in the American League last season.

Financial Considerations
Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro indicated in early October that the team’s 2025 payroll would likely be similar to the 2024 payroll, estimated at $225 million (per Cot’s Baseball Contracts). With projected salaries for arbitration-eligible players, Toronto’s current payroll stands at approximately $184 million, leaving around $41 million to spend. Nicholson-Smith reports that the Blue Jays might exceed their budget for a “special or unique opportunity” like Soto.

​By exploring multiple high-profile acquisitions, the Blue Jays are strategically positioning themselves for a more competitive 2025 season. Whether they land Soto or not, their interest in other top talents signals a strong commitment to improving their roster.

The Toronto Blue Jays are actively pursuing star outfielder Juan Soto, but like all teams, they must have contingency plans. According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, the Blue Jays have shown interest in several other key players, including Max Fried, Luis Severino, Anthony Santander, and Alex Bregman.

Alex Bregman: A Top Free Agent Target
Bregman, 31, is among the top free agents available this winter. His career batting line of .272/.366/.483, translating to a 135 wRC+, indicates he has been 35% better than league average at the plate overall. Bregman's strikeout rate has consistently been below 13.6% in each of the past six seasons, which is impressive considering the league average. Although his walk rate dipped slightly in 2024, it has generally remained above par throughout his career.

Known for his solid defense at third base, Bregman is also willing to move to second base if needed. He is highly regarded for his clubhouse presence and leadership qualities. MLB Trade Rumors (MLBTR) predicted Bregman to secure a seven-year deal worth $182 million this offseason. While the Astros are keen on retaining him, Bregman has also been linked to the Tigers, Red Sox, Phillies, and now the Blue Jays.

Blue Jays' Infield Situation
The Blue Jays' third base and second base positions are currently unsettled. In 2024, Ernie Clement was the primary option at third base, posting a .263/.284/.408 batting line with a 94 wRC+. Despite his serviceable season, Clement's performance may not be enough to block a player of Bregman's caliber from joining the team. Should Bregman become the everyday third baseman, Clement could shift into a utility role, allowing him to contribute regularly.

At second base, Spencer Horwitz and Davis Schneider shared playing time alongside the departed Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Although Horwitz has performed well in the majors, he is not a natural second baseman and primarily plays first base, occupied by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. With Justin Turner no longer with the team, designated hitter opportunities could open up for Horwitz and Guerrero in 2025.

The Blue Jays also have other players like Addison Barger, Orelvis Martínez, Will Wagner, and Leo Jiménez, who are capable of playing third or second base. However, none of them have substantial major league experience. Given the team's desire to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign, targeting a proven major leaguer like Bregman is logical.

​Additionally, the Blue Jays have been linked to shortstop Willy Adames, who is willing to move to third base if required. With Bo Bichette approaching free agency, acquiring Adames could benefit the team both in the short and long term.

The Toronto Blue Jays have reached an agreement on a minor league contract with infielder Michael Stefanic. The news was shared by Stefanic's agent, Nate Heisler of Klutch Sports, on X (formerly Twitter), while Stefanic himself expressed gratitude to the Angels and their fans on Instagram, along with his excitement for this new opportunity with Toronto.

Stefanic's Career Background
Stefanic, who will turn 29 in February, began his professional career as an undrafted free agent in 2018 when he signed with the Los Angeles Angels. Despite a clear lack of power, he quickly garnered attention in the minors due to his exceptional plate discipline and versatility in playing multiple positions. In 2021, he demonstrated his potential by posting a .336/.408/.493 line with 17 home runs, significantly higher than his previous totals. This performance earned him a 132 wRC+, indicating he was 32% better than the league average.

Ranked as the #22 prospect in the Angels’ system by Baseball America going into 2022, Stefanic made his Major League debut that year. Over the past three seasons, he accumulated 264 plate appearances in the majors, with an 8.7% walk rate and a 15.2% strikeout rate. However, his lack of home runs resulted in a modest slash line of .232/.317/.275 and a 72 wRC+.

Despite limited major league success, Stefanic continued to excel in the minors, achieving a combined line of .349/.444/.456 and a 133 wRC+ over the past three years.

New Opportunity with the Blue Jays
After exhausting his final option year in 2024, Stefanic was passed through waivers and outrighted by the Angels last month. The Blue Jays have now offered him a non-roster invitation to spring training. With experience playing every position on the diamond except for center field and catcher, Stefanic has the potential to secure a utility or bench role with Toronto.

​This new chapter with the Blue Jays presents a promising opportunity for Stefanic to leverage his versatility and continue his professional growth.

The Toronto Blue Jays are making strategic moves in the offseason, showing interest in free agent outfielder Anthony Santander, as reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today. In addition to Santander, the Blue Jays are pursuing top pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, aligning with their previous connections to top free agent starters such as Fried and Blake Snell.

Why Santander Makes Sense
Santander is a logical target for the Blue Jays. MLBTR’s Anthony Franco had already predicted Santander to sign with Toronto in their Top 50 Free Agents list earlier this month. The Blue Jays are in need of an outfielder with a powerful bat, and Santander fits that bill perfectly.

Current Outfield Scenario
At present, the Blue Jays have George Springer and Daulton Varsho as the primary outfielders. However, Varsho underwent shoulder surgery in September and might miss the start of the 2025 season. Springer, now 35, has seen a steady decline in his wRC+ over the past five years, from 155 in 2019 to just 95 in the most recent season.

In addition to Springer and Varsho, the Blue Jays have several other outfield options on their 40-man roster, including Nathan Lukes, Joey Loperfido, Jonatan Clase, Davis Schneider, Addison Barger, and Steward Berroa. However, there is a lack of certainty and proven performance among these players. Schneider, for example, is the only one with more than 81 big league games under his belt, and he’s coming off a frustrating season. This leaves plenty of room for an external addition like Santander.

The Need for Power
The Blue Jays could benefit from more home run power in their lineup. In 2024, the team ranked 26th in the majors for home runs, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. being the only player to hit more than 20 homers. Santander, who hit 44 home runs last year and has 105 homers over the past three seasons, could provide the power boost they need. His switch-hitting ability would also complement the right-handed bats of Guerrero, Springer, Bo Bichette, and Alejandro Kirk.

Defensive Considerations
While Santander is not known for his defense, his offensive production could offset any defensive shortcomings. He has slashed .244/.317/.478 over the past three years, resulting in a 124 wRC+. Additionally, the Blue Jays do not have a full-time designated hitter, which could allow them to mitigate the impact of his defensive limitations.

Backup Plan for Juan Soto
It seems that Santander might be a fallback option if the Blue Jays do not succeed in landing Juan Soto. The Blue Jays are one of the teams still in the mix for Soto, with offers expected to come in this week.

​As the Blue Jays continue to make moves in the offseason, their pursuit of players like Santander and top pitchers highlights their commitment to strengthening the roster for a competitive 2025 season.

After narrowly missing out on Shohei Ohtani last offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays are once again aiming for a major acquisition by targeting this year's premier free agent, Juan Soto.

The Blue Jays recently made their pitch to Soto, which was described as "impressive" by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. This feedback mirrored Soto's reception of the Boston Red Sox's presentation, during which he inquired about their winning commitment, talent evaluation systems, and facilities.

ESPN's Jeff Passan emphasized that the Blue Jays are determined to secure a big name this offseason. While he stopped short of naming the Blue Jays as frontrunners for Soto, Passan remarked, "it certainly could [be Toronto that lands Soto]. Do not discount them. This is not something they're just doing to just get their fan base excited. Because you know if they don't get Soto, it's just going to be like another dagger after last winter."

Soto had a stellar 2024 season, earning a place on the American League first team and playing a pivotal role in the New York Yankees' first World Series appearance in 15 years. His impressive performance has made him one of the most sought-after free agents, drawing interest from multiple teams.

While the Blue Jays are keen to land Soto, they face stiff competition. Numerous teams are expected to make their case to Soto before he makes his decision, ensuring a highly competitive race for his signature.

​Securing Soto would be a significant boost for the Blue Jays, reinforcing their ambitions and enhancing their roster. As the offseason unfolds, the spotlight will be on Toronto to see if they can land one of baseball's brightest stars and make a lasting impact on their lineup and fanbase.

n a significant move, the Toronto Blue Jays have announced the hiring of 12-year MLB veteran and former Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell as the club’s new vice president of baseball operations and assistant general manager. This addition marks a strategic effort to enhance the Blue Jays' front office as they aim for a competitive edge.

Back in late 2018, when the Blue Jays were searching for a new manager, Bell was one of several candidates interviewed before they ultimately hired Charlie Montoyo. Bell, who managed the Reds until the end of the 2024 season, will now take on a broader role in Toronto's front office at the age of 52.

According to a press release issued on Friday evening, Bell will oversee the Player Development and Physical & Mental Performance departments. He will also contribute to Major League strategic planning decisions and advise on player evaluations and acquisitions.

Since joining the organization in late 2015, Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins have been key figures in the front office. The addition of Bell represents another significant name in a role similar to the one once held by Ben Cherington, who worked with the Blue Jays before leading the Pittsburgh Pirates starting in 2019.

Former Astros GM James Click, now serving as the Blue Jays’ vice president of baseball strategy, is another notable example of the team strengthening its front office. With Bell joining Mike Murov and Joe Sheehan as the third member to hold the title of “assistant general manager,” his involvement in player development stands out as a particularly relevant aspect of this announcement.

The Blue Jays’ farm system is more crucial than ever as the organization teeters on the edge of another competitive push and a potential rebuild. The future of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and offseason spending decisions will determine the team’s direction. Regardless, the Blue Jays need to maximize the impact of their prospects. While recent arrivals such as Will Wagner, Ernie Clement, Addison Barger, Leo Jimenez, and Orelvis Martinez are promising, the club desperately needs to develop more stars to elevate their ceiling.

Toronto’s pitching prospects have faced significant challenges, with former No. 1 prospect Ricky Tiedemann set to spend at least the first half of 2025 recovering from Tommy John surgery. The past season was plagued by serious elbow injuries, and while some of this can be attributed to bad luck, Atkins and the front office are working to identify and address any underlying issues.

Before his managerial and player development roles with the Reds and Giants, Bell played parts of 12 seasons in the majors with Cincinnati, Seattle, St. Louis, Cleveland, San Francisco, and Milwaukee. In 1995, he spent time with the Blue Jays’ current Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons, who were then a Cleveland affiliate.

​With the addition of David Bell, the Blue Jays are poised to enhance their player development and overall strategic planning as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming seasons.