logo
Blue Jays: A quick overview of off-season activities so far
alt
Photo credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Nick Prasad
Jan 31, 2026, 07:00 ESTUpdated: Jan 31, 2026, 04:26 EST
Comments
As we move closer to Spring Training, the Toronto Blue Jays roster is looking more and more official. Were all their offseason concerns attended to? How did their offseason match-up to their World Series rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, or any of the other big market teams out there?
The Blue Jays overall had a satisfactory offseason, mostly on one side of the baseball. The club said goodbye to a few of their 2025 pitching pieces but made up for it with a couple of relevant signings. 
On the bump, the Blue Jays lost a pinnacle arm from their rotation. Chris Bassitt held a valuable role in Toronto, despite on-and-off struggles over three years. He was versatile and adaptable, especially in the postseason. Bassitt is still on the free agency shelves, and it does not seem like there’s a strong possibility of returning.
Max Scherzer also falls to the same fate as Bassitt.  The right-handed veteran pitcher provided a strong option in the rotation; his service became even more valuable in the postseason. Overall, Scherzer’s veterancy and experience played a key clubhouse role. Reliever Seranthony Dominguez also elected free agency and signed with the Chicago White Sox.

How the Blue Jays responded this offseason

The club’s front office was hot early on in the free agent market, making a few splashes that turned some heads.
Two huge starter pitcher signings in Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce bolstered the pitching staff, giving the rotation some solid upgrades to the rotation. Cease signed the largest free agent contract in franchise history, and Ponce is looking to carry over his success from the KBO back to the big leagues. 
The bullpen was also given reinforcements in the signing of Tyler Rogers, who should be the groundball specialist that helps the Jays in unique situations this season. 
The Jays also made one big-bat signing before Toronto lost its star shortstop.
The Blue Jays understood the stock game and the bidding war for names like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger. They were not going to wait for a flip of the coin in either name; instead, they dabbled in the Japanese market.
The Jays brought Kazuma Okamoto on board with a four-year deal, a right-handed slugging infielder with a proven bat from overseas who can play third base and in the corner outfield spots. The front office then continued bidding for Tucker and/or Bichette. 
Shortly after, Tucker signed an unexpected contract in Los Angeles, Bellinger then returned to the New York Yankees, and Bichette then signed a short-term deal to join the New York Mets.
Overall, where does this leave Toronto?
The club’s pitching is in a better spot compared to last season, but it’s easy to argue that they’re short one big bat after losing Bichette and with Okamoto unproven in the big leagues. The front office could acquire a bat within the next few weeks in a similar fashion to how the Andres Gimenez deal surprised everyone last spring, leading into mid-February. 

PRESENTED BY VIVID SEATS

Take $20 off your first Vivid Seats order of $200+ using promo code JAYSNATION (new customers only, $200 USD minimum before taxes & fees)

Featured

Editorials

Breaking News