The Toronto Blue Jays have a busy offseason ahead of them after being swept from the MLB playoffs by the Minnesota Twins.
Several Blue Jays hit free agency in Matt Chapman, Hyun Jin Ryu, Brandon Belt, Kevin Kiermaier, Jordan Hicks and Whit Merrifield, leaving general manager Ross Atkins with holes to fill and unload on the roster. Toronto has some solid internal options to make up for the lost talent, but external reinforcements are needed if the team wants to remain a playoff contender in the competitive American League East.
How will the Blue Jays’ season unfold? We’ll keep you updated on new signings, trades and rumors throughout the summer.
Blue Jays deal with Dylann Carlson (Nov. 9)
The St. Louis Cardinals have fielded trade calls for outfielder Dylan Carlson, with the Blue Jays among the teams expressing interest, according to Derek Gold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The 25-year-old switch hitter appeared in just 76 games in 2023 due to an ankle problem that will require season-ending surgery. He hit just .219/.318/.333 with five home runs last season.
Karlsson, the former supervisor, has three years of club control remaining and the first round of arbitration is due to take place this summer. Blue Jays and Cardinals They have a lot of familiarity with each other after combining for three separate trades in 2023 (the Génesis Cabrera, Jordan Hicks and Paul DeJong deals).
Don’t Deny Reuniting with Matt Chapman (November 8)
The Blue Jays made a qualifying offer to incumbent third baseman Matt Chapman, but he could face a long-term deal if he declines. Toronto is “absolutely interested” in keeping Chapman around. According to Atkins.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post also reported that Chapman is a “priority” for the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays interested in NPB ace Yamamoto (Nov 8)
It was the Blue Jays’ biggest strength in 2023, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t looking to bolster their rotation this summer. Toronto has expressed interest in Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, according to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi.
Yamamoto is coming off another dominant season in Japan, posting a 1.16 ERA in 24 games. Since his professional debut in 2017, his highest ERA in a single season is 2.35.
The market is expected to be very competitive for the 25-year-old, David predicts a nine-figure contract.
Votto, Suarez on Blue Jays radar (Nov. 7)
As the GM meetings roll around, Atkins revealed that Toronto is in the market to add as many as four right-handed batsmen this offseason, according to Sportsnet Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Among the names linked to the Blue Jays: longtime Cincinnati Reds first baseman and Canadian legend Joey Votto — currently a free agent — as well as Navy third baseman Eugenio Suarez, who the Blue Jays have reportedly signed.
Blue Jays announce major coaching decisions (Nov. 7)
Just hours after it was reported that Don Mattingly could be tied to Milwaukee, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins announced that the club would expand his role. The movement It is reported He sees him getting more involved in the day-to-day work of batting.
The Blue Jays have announced the return of division coach Guillermo Martinez and the hiring of new third base coach Carlos Febles to replace the now-retired Luis Rivera. Febles joins the Blue Jays after serving with the Boston Red Sox since 2018.
Blue Jay by Michael A. Interested in Taylor (November 7)
With the MLB GM meetings underway, the Blue Jays are looking at veteran outfielder Michael A. They are reportedly interested in Taylor. John Morosi for MLB Network.
Taylor spent the 2023 season with the Minnesota Twins, slashing .220/.278/.442 with 21 home runs in 129 games. The 32-year-old brings pop from the right side and solid outfield defense, winning a Gold Glove in center field in 2021.
Don Matley is running for Brewers manager (Nov. 7)
The Milwaukee Brewers are looking for a new manager after seeing Craig Counsell sign a historic contract with the Chicago Cubs. Current Blue Jays bench coach Don Mattingly is being considered for the Brewers job. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
Last season was Mattinley’s first with the Blue Jays after 12 years at the helm of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins. Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith reports that Toronto won’t stop at Mattingly in pursuing the manager’s job this offseason.
Blue Jay Matley won’t be deterred from pursuing a managerial career elsewhere. Otherwise, he is slated to return as the Jays’ bench coach in 2024. https://t.co/EDyy7gCCNV
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) November 7, 2023
The Blue Jays will find pitching depth in Brendan Little (November 6).
Toronto made its first offseason trade on Monday, acquiring pitcher Brendan Little from the Chicago Cubs.
Minor is a 27-year-old lefty who spent the entire 2023 season at Triple-A with the Iowa Cubs. In 73.1 innings with the Cubs affiliate, he posted a 4.05 ERA and managed 73 strikeouts, while walking 38. Graffie appeared in just one MLB game in his career.
Blue Jays offer qualifying offer to Matt Chapman (Nov. 6)
As expected, the Blue Jays extended a qualifying offer to third baseman Matt Chapman. The 30-year-old will have until Nov. 14 to accept the offer, which is worth $20.325 million for one year.
If he declines and signs elsewhere, the Blue Jays will receive compensation from his new club for the 2024 draft. Chapman is expected to sign a long-term contract in free agency.
Blue Jays take on Chad Green (November 6)
The Blue Jays exercised their two-year conditional club option on right fielder Chad Green for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Green will spend $10.5 million in these campaigns.
The veteran missed the first five months of the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, then went 3-0 with a 5.25 ERA in 12 games in his return. Despite the disappointing ERA, Green was effective, posting scoreless outings in five of his last six games.
Blue Jays to make ‘hard push’ for Shohei Ohtani (Nov. 5)
Shohei Ohtani is set to break records in free agency this summer, and the Blue Jays are reportedly interested in entering the race.
USA Today’s Bob Nightingale reports that Toronto is among the few teams expected to make a “strong push” for the Japanese superstar. Ohtani, who said the Los Angeles Dodgers wouldn’t rule out a return to the Los Angeles Angels, is considered the “trending favorite” to land at Nightingale.
The Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers were other teams that Nightengale was linked to with the two-way sensation.