The Toronto Blue Jays continue to have their eyes on top-tier free agents outside of Juan Soto, as MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported earlier today that the Blue Jays had an in-person meeting with free agent Corbin Burnes the week leading up to the Winter Meetings.

Burnes is one of the top arms on the market this winter and the right-hander is coming off a stellar campaign in Baltimore after a six-year stint with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The California product posted a 2.92 ERA through 32 starts and 194 2/3 innings last year with the Orioles, posting a 1.096 WHIP and a 3.55 FIP. He saw a slight dip in his K/9 numbers (8.4 K/9 compared to a 9.3 mark in 2023) but his command was even more dialled this year – posting a 2.2 BB/9 mark in a tough AL East division. His statcast page is full of positive values, with Burnes posting a +27 pitching run value and ranking in the 95th percentile in hard-hit percentage.

He finished fifth in AL Cy Young voting this year and earned his fourth consecutive All-Star nomination.

At 30 years old, Burnes is looking to cash in on the back of a stellar few seasons that set him up as a frontline starter for any rotation he joins. He collected the 2021 NL Cy Young after amassing 243 strikeouts en route to a 1.63 FIP and a league-leading 2.43 ERA. He owns a 3.19 ERA through 199 appearances (138 starts) for his career, as the right-hander did not become a mainstay starter for the Brewers until the 2020 season.

The expectation is Burnes will sign a long-term deal (five years or more) and could surpass the five-year, $182 million Blake Snell inked with the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this winter. Free agent starters are cashing in this winter, with Luis Severino just inking a three-year, $67 million pact with the A’s this morning – an organization record.

Toronto has been kicking the tires on multiple starters this winter, connecting with left-hander Max Fried earlier this offseason – both are tied to draft pick compensation after both declined their respective qualifying offers. The club will also reportedly pursue Roki Sasaki – alongside all 29 other teams – through the international free-agent period once he becomes officially posted.

Over the next two seasons, the Blue Jays will have Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman, and José Berríos (player option) all free agent eligible – so it appears Ross Atkins and the front office staff are looking to add some more stability to the rotation this winter.