The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off a disappointing 2026 season, and they are hoping an aggressive offseason will help everyone move on from what happened.
The team struggled to find its rhythm throughout the year, and there were several reasons for that. Injuries played a major role, and that is something Toronto will have to consider as it approaches free agency.
“Some injuries, you can see coming. When the 42-year-old Max Scherzer runs into a few IL stints, no one should be surprised. When José Berríos has Tommy John surgery after not missing a start for nearly a decade, it’s terribly unfortunate, but we all understand the realities of baseball and the limitations of the human elbow. The Blue Jays are trying to find that line now between bad luck and controllable variables,” MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson wrote.
The Blue Jays clearly need to address their outfield this offseason. With George Springer potentially nearing retirement, Toronto could have to find someone capable of replacing his production.
“It’s been a long time since the Blue Jays developed an All-Star-caliber outfielder. You’re stuck reaching for Kevin Pillar’s peak seasons, then even further for Vernon Wells, who last played for the Blue Jays in 2010. Essentially, the Blue Jays need to find their next George Springer,” Matheson wrote.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller believes the Blue Jays could potentially turn Japanese superstar Teruaki Sato into an outfielder immediately after signing him.
“It doesn’t have to be outfield, either, as this DH spot is up for grabs, too. (Unless you still have faith in Anthony Santander?) That could make Toronto a candidate to sign Teruaki Sato. Frankly, it’d be a bit surprising if the Blue Jays didn’t sign at least one of the top 10 available free agents. If you had to pick one team likely to sign multiple top-10 free agents, Toronto might be the most likely,” Miller wrote.
Sato is reportedly drawing questions about his ability to play third base, and the Blue Jays don’t necessarily have a pressing need to add another infielder. Giving him an opportunity to play the outfield right away could help him get comfortable in a new position rather than waiting until later in the season to make the transition.
He is coming off a Triple Crown season in Japan and is hoping to make a positive impact with whichever organization signs him this winter. The Blue Jays want to remain competitive, and bringing in a player with Sato’s offensive potential could be a major step toward accomplishing that goal.
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