The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly open to making a big swing in the free-agent reliever market this off-season.

During last week’s end-of-season media availabilities, general manager Ross Atkins hinted at the possibility of the franchise pursuing an upgrade at the closer position, noting Jeff Hoffman’s willingness to “be open to anything that makes us better.” And it appears the club’s search will include Edwin Díaz, the top relief pitcher available.

Toronto’s brass met with Díaz’s representatives (Wasserman) at the GM meetings in Las Vegas, as The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported Friday. However, those discussions were described as preliminary, as several teams are expected to express interest in the three-time All-Star this winter.

Rosenthal added that a source believes the 31-year-old is seeking to match the five-year, $102-million contract he signed with the New York Mets three years ago. He opted out of the final two seasons of that deal earlier this off-season, forgoing the remaining $38 million left owing on it.

Díaz, who’s tied to a qualifying offer valued at $22.025 million, spoke to reporters at the MLB Awards in Las Vegas after winning the 2025 Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award. When asked about his chances of returning to Queens, the longtime Mets closer placed his odds at 50-50.

Rosenthal insists the Blue Jays’ front office could act emotionally in the reliever market following Jeff Hoffman’s blown save in Game 7 of the World Series, combined with his roller-coaster-esque regular season. But, while most expect management to be aggressive on all fronts, Atkins will likely remain disciplined rather than being desperate to land a marquee free agent — whether that’s Díaz or someone else.

Still, the Blue Jays are certainly in the market for a high-leverage reliever, with Seranthony Domínguez reaching free agency. There’d be immense upside by signing Díaz, who’s coming off another sensational performance in 2025, where he logged 28 saves in 31 attempts and pitched to a dominant 1.63 ERA (second-lowest among qualified major-league relievers) as well as a 2.28 FIP, striking out 38 per cent of his batters faced (second-highest among MLB relievers).

Other clubs expected to pursue Díaz include the Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers, per Rosenthal, with the Mets keeping the door open for his potential return.

If his market proves too lucrative for Toronto, they could pivot to the next tier of free-agent relievers — including arms like Robert Suarez, Devin Williams, Pete Fairbanks and Ryan Helsley, all of whom feature prior closing experience.