2025 Blue Jays Offseason Thread

[polo007]

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[polo007]

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[Rainman66]

This will be interesting off season, will Jays continue to spend big or not? I say they will be bidders for top players as they have been in the last few years. To stay top of the American East must be able to spend. Also Guasman and Springer have short time left in their contracts, would love to maximize the window with them.

My recommendation would be resigning Bo to whatever he asks, chemistry with him and Vlad cannot be understated. When healthy BO has shown to be top MLB player. Acquire a top notch starting pitcher and enhance relief pitching by trade, can get a smaller contract and quality pitcher like they did at the trade deadline...Freddy Peralta maybe?

Bring back Bassit and Scherzer for veteran leadership....one or both can be spot starters, not full time though.

Ideally would like to get more pitchers that can keep the ball on the ground. More power in the line up would be nice as well. Championship teams are built with power in mind.

Are Bo and Vlad having a baby? What is being produced from their chemistry?

Its a pretty fair point there was a 2-3 week period where Vladdy couldn't hit a beach ball without Bo behind him I dont really get the weird sexual joke on page 3 of a light offseason thread

[Mehar]

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I am on board to get Bellinger to be my everyday Centre Fielder, and sign the Padres Closer who opted out today (Robert Suarez). Also acquiring another power bat to be my everyday Left Fielder. Lukes was exposed in the end. He can be a guy coming off the bench. Varsho needs to be sent packing, by declining his 10 million number.

Hoffman excelled in Philadelphia as a Set Up guy. That is what he should be next year also. That means saying goodbye to Bichette also, along with Scherzer and Bassitt. There is a better investment out there instead of Bieber to be honest. IKF and Little can be sent packing directly to Siberia. Good free agent class. Seeing the success of this team, I hope Rogers goes all out to push the payroll even further and opening the cheque book more to compete with the big boys.

[Madvillainy2004]

If i hear the words Varsho and Defense one more time im going to puke. Defense didnt lose us the World Series, stranding 50 runners in games 6 and 7 did. Of which Varsho was the prime offender. Also, screw his defense. Cool he can catch some fly balls. But he throws like a girl and cant be relied on as anything than a bottom of the order bat. Im sorry but thats just not worth it. If anything this WS proved the value of having guys with the ability to put the bat on the ball and make contact. How many rallies did he kill with his cricket swings or wiffing on fastballs above his head?

Regarding Springer, asking him to play the outfield after the renaissance season he had as a primary DH is bonkers. I dont care how healthy he is next year, he is 36 going on 37 and clearly had the best hitting season of his life BECAUSE he didnt have to play the outfield. Forcing him out of the DH role to accommodate the dumpster fire that is Santander is asinine, and only makes that signing look worse and more panicky than ever.

Bieber i couldnt care less about. He looked like trash in most of his outings and im not convinced he'll ever return to the ace status he held before TJ surgery. Dude couldnt get swing and miss on any of his pitches to save his life. Scherzer is gone. Dont care about him one bit. He was a mercenary and is grossly over the hill, a few adrenaline fueled WS starts notwithstanding. He doesnt give a damn about this team or city.

IKF should be thrown in the trash and actively PAID to never be seen in this town again. Enough said. Bo i could see returning but his recurring knee and calf problems for the past two years make me question his future as an infielder and wonder if hes also heading for a career as a DH and given how many DH's we already have its gonna be hard to see him as a long term Jay. His legs seem like they will never fully recover. And even if they do he will be incredibly injury prone for the rest of his career when it comes to his legs.

Clement and Barger could cement themselves as future stars...OR could be exposed next year when given full time player responsibilities. Hopefully its the former instead of the latter. Lukes im not so sure off. Yeah he had a great season all told, but the guy is 30 and a career minor leaguer. I dont think he repeats his success next year, and his huge falloff in the WS was pretty telling. I just dont see any growth there like with a guy like Barger.

Best post in the thread. I really could not have said it any better. I will literally puke also if I hear the words Varsho and Defense one more time.

Go get a real quality hitting Centre Fielder in free agency Ike Cody Bellinger who will not cost you a draft pick, and send Varsho, IKF, and Brendon Little on a one way ticket out of town.

Same Cody Bellinger that is a career .660 OPS hitter in the playoffs and looked awful at the plate against us lol

Not that im against Bellinger would rather Tucker but id take him and wed just give him the LF spot. And I don't think Cody wants to be a full time CF anyways.

[Mehar]

If i hear the words Varsho and Defense one more time im going to puke. Defense didnt lose us the World Series, stranding 50 runners in games 6 and 7 did. Of which Varsho was the prime offender. Also, screw his defense. Cool he can catch some fly balls. But he throws like a girl and cant be relied on as anything than a bottom of the order bat. Im sorry but thats just not worth it. If anything this WS proved the value of having guys with the ability to put the bat on the ball and make contact. How many rallies did he kill with his cricket swings or wiffing on fastballs above his head?

Regarding Springer, asking him to play the outfield after the renaissance season he had as a primary DH is bonkers. I dont care how healthy he is next year, he is 36 going on 37 and clearly had the best hitting season of his life BECAUSE he didnt have to play the outfield. Forcing him out of the DH role to accommodate the dumpster fire that is Santander is asinine, and only makes that signing look worse and more panicky than ever.

Bieber i couldnt care less about. He looked like trash in most of his outings and im not convinced he'll ever return to the ace status he held before TJ surgery. Dude couldnt get swing and miss on any of his pitches to save his life. Scherzer is gone. Dont care about him one bit. He was a mercenary and is grossly over the hill, a few adrenaline fueled WS starts notwithstanding. He doesnt give a damn about this team or city.

IKF should be thrown in the trash and actively PAID to never be seen in this town again. Enough said. Bo i could see returning but his recurring knee and calf problems for the past two years make me question his future as an infielder and wonder if hes also heading for a career as a DH and given how many DH's we already have its gonna be hard to see him as a long term Jay. His legs seem like they will never fully recover. And even if they do he will be incredibly injury prone for the rest of his career when it comes to his legs.

Clement and Barger could cement themselves as future stars...OR could be exposed next year when given full time player responsibilities. Hopefully its the former instead of the latter. Lukes im not so sure off. Yeah he had a great season all told, but the guy is 30 and a career minor leaguer. I dont think he repeats his success next year, and his huge falloff in the WS was pretty telling. I just dont see any growth there like with a guy like Barger.

Best post in the thread. I really could not have said it any better. I will literally puke also if I hear the words Varsho and Defense one more time.

Go get a real quality hitting Centre Fielder in free agency Ike Cody Bellinger who will not cost you a draft pick, and send Varsho, IKF, and Brendon Little on a one way ticket out of town.

Same Cody Bellinger that is a career .660 OPS hitter in the playoffs and looked awful at the plate against us lol

Not that im against Bellinger would rather Tucker but id take him and wed just give him the LF spot. And I don't think Cody wants to be a full time CF anyways.

I would prefer Tucker but the bidding might reach 400 million for Tucker. Bellinger will about 150 to 175 million over 6 years. I read he is willing to play CF everyday. He will not cost a draft pick also.

Very solid middle of the order bat. Good arm and good defender also. Best free agent CF option to upgrade over Noodle Arm Varsho and his Cricket Swings, chasing balls out of the Strike Zone and looking like a fool on a regular basis with his inability to get on base. Bellinger will only cost money and not prospects in a trade.

[ItsDanger]

DH Springer
RF Tucker
1B Guerrero
2B Bichette
LF Santander
3B Barger
C Kirk
SS Clement
CF Lukes

That's my 1st crack at what I'd prefer. Obviously this would require moving off Gimenez who's very overpaid.

[Mehar]

DH Springer
RF Tucker
1B Guerrero
2B Bichette
LF Santander
3B Barger
C Kirk
SS Clement
CF Lukes

That's my 1st crack at what I'd prefer. Obviously this would require moving off Gimenez who's very overpaid.

Unfortunately nobody is touching Gimenez and his contract. You are stuck with him the next 4 years. 15 million next year, and 23 million for the last three years. Not counting the 2.5 million buyout also for year 5. So 86.5 million left owed to this guy.

A terrible move to acquire him and that terrible contract. Means No Bo Bichette for 2026. The team is not keeping both Gimenez and Bichette and dish out big money to both of them at the same time. Bo is gone. Ernie will be at Second Base. Gimenez at SS.

[JaysRule25]

Gimenez isnt a terrible option at shortstop. I do think he can hit better than he did this season (with his ankle injury also affecting him). But his defensive acumen at shortstop was a big reason we looked so good defensively in the infield once Bo went down. Yes he's definitely a bit overpaid, but I can see him putting up a 3-4 war season largely built around defense alone.

The issue is that you can't carry multiple defense first players in the lineup. If Gimenez slots as the number 9 guy, the rest of the lineup has to hit.

[Mehar]

Gimenez isnt a terrible option at shortstop. I do think he can hit better than he did this season (with his ankle injury also affecting him). But his defensive acumen at shortstop was a big reason we looked so good defensively in the infield once Bo went down. Yes he's definitely a bit overpaid, but I can see him putting up a 3-4 war season largely built around defense alone.

The issue is that you can't carry multiple defense first players in the lineup. If Gimenez slots as the number 9 guy, the rest of the lineup has to hit.

That is why you say goodbye to Varsho and acquire another Solid Hitting Centre Fielder, who slots in the middle of the lineup. A decent enough defender where he is not a total stiff like Tapia was back in the day. A better arm also than Varsho in CF, and someone who is much better at getting on base. Bellinger to me is the guy since he is a free agent. No draft pick involved also. Would be a Solid Left handed hitter behind Vlad in this lineup.

Santander would be in RF, who you overpaid and is not going anywhere. In Left Field, you have Nathan Lukes but I would be looking to upgrade that position with a better position player also. A power bat in Left Field would be ideal. Lukes to me got exposed in the post-season and towards the end of the year. He is a better option coming off the bench and your 4th Outfielder.

[JCP11]

If we don't sign Bo how do we replace his bat? Don't say Kyle Tucker because it's not realistic.

[GameChannel]

Gimenez isnt a terrible option at shortstop. I do think he can hit better than he did this season (with his ankle injury also affecting him). But his defensive acumen at shortstop was a big reason we looked so good defensively in the infield once Bo went down. Yes he's definitely a bit overpaid, but I can see him putting up a 3-4 war season largely built around defense alone.

The issue is that you can't carry multiple defense first players in the lineup. If Gimenez slots as the number 9 guy, the rest of the lineup has to hit.

That is why you say goodbye to Varsho and acquire another Solid Hitting Centre Fielder, who slots in the middle of the lineup. A decent enough defender where he is not a total stiff like Tapia was back in the day. A better arm also than Varsho in CF, and someone who is much better at getting on base. Bellinger to me is the guy since he is a free agent. No draft pick involved also. Would be a Solid Left handed hitter behind Vlad in this lineup.

Santander would be in RF, who you overpaid and is not going anywhere. In Left Field, you have Nathan Lukes but I would be looking to upgrade that position with a better position player also. A power bat in Left Field would be ideal. Lukes to me got exposed in the post-season and towards the end of the year. He is a better option coming off the bench and your 4th Outfielder.

Not a fan of Bellinger and his bad postseason OPS. I’d rather us blow our load on Tucker and re-signing Bichette. This season has proven that if you put a competitive team on the field, ppl will watch on TV and fans will throng to the dome. The contracts should be affordable for the Jays.
Springer comes off the books in 1 season after which we can move Bichette to DH.

We can keep Varsho as a utility guy and defensive sub cuz his bat and arm are just not playable everyday. He can be

2026 lineup:

DH Springer
1B Vladdy
2B Bichette
RF Barger
CF Tucker
LF Santander
3B Clement
C Kirk
SS Jimenez

Bench:
Varsho
Straw
Heineman
Schneider



Pitching wise, we gotta fill out the rotation as the bullpen IMO is more less set with Hoffman, Varland, Fisher, Fluharty, Lauer, Rodriguez and Garcia.

SP:
Yesavage
Gays
Berrios
??
??

[Mehar]

Gimenez isnt a terrible option at shortstop. I do think he can hit better than he did this season (with his ankle injury also affecting him). But his defensive acumen at shortstop was a big reason we looked so good defensively in the infield once Bo went down. Yes he's definitely a bit overpaid, but I can see him putting up a 3-4 war season largely built around defense alone.

The issue is that you can't carry multiple defense first players in the lineup. If Gimenez slots as the number 9 guy, the rest of the lineup has to hit.

That is why you say goodbye to Varsho and acquire another Solid Hitting Centre Fielder, who slots in the middle of the lineup. A decent enough defender where he is not a total stiff like Tapia was back in the day. A better arm also than Varsho in CF, and someone who is much better at getting on base. Bellinger to me is the guy since he is a free agent. No draft pick involved also. Would be a Solid Left handed hitter behind Vlad in this lineup.

Santander would be in RF, who you overpaid and is not going anywhere. In Left Field, you have Nathan Lukes but I would be looking to upgrade that position with a better position player also. A power bat in Left Field would be ideal. Lukes to me got exposed in the post-season and towards the end of the year. He is a better option coming off the bench and your 4th Outfielder.

Not a fan of Bellinger and his bad postseason OPS. I’d rather us blow our load on Tucker and re-signing Bichette. This season has proven that if you put a competitive team on the field, ppl will watch on TV and fans will throng to the dome. The contracts should be affordable for the Jays.
Springer comes off the books in 1 season after which we can move Bichette to DH.

We can keep Varsho as a utility guy and defensive sub cuz his bat and arm are just not playable everyday. He can be

2026 lineup:

DH Springer
1B Vladdy
2B Bichette
RF Barger
CF Tucker
LF Santander
3B Clement
C Kirk
SS Jimenez

Bench:
Varsho
Straw
Heineman
Schneider



Pitching wise, we gotta fill out the rotation as the bullpen IMO is more less set with Hoffman, Varland, Fisher, Fluharty, Lauer, Rodriguez and Garcia.

SP:
Yesavage
Gays
Berrios
??
??

I do not mind Tucker but his primary position is RF, and he mentioned that he prefers playing there. You have Santander in RF, on a long-term deal so that complicates things. Tucker will also be costing around 400 million, and I do not see the Jays going that route and outbidding some other teams for him. I say Bellinger because he is the best free agent option in CF, and will be much cheaper than Tucker.

You are not going to pay around 10 million in arbitration to Varsho to come off the bench, when a guy like Lukes making a fraction of that can be that guy. Just let go of Varsho and decline the arbitration of Noodle Arm Varsho. Bichette also made it clear he wants to be a Starting SS again in 2026. I think he is gone frankly. This organization wants Gimenez at SS, and Ernie at Second. But we will see. I love your lineup though.

[LoveMyRaps]

DH Springer
RF Tucker
1B Guerrero
2B Bichette
LF Santander
3B Barger
C Kirk
SS Clement
CF Lukes

That's my 1st crack at what I'd prefer. Obviously this would require moving off Gimenez who's very overpaid.

Does Rogers pony up and pay for both Tucker & Bo?

[LoveMyRaps]

Bieber didn't opt-out today...

I think he might stick around.

Him and his wife absolutely loved their time in Toronto and spoke very highly about it.

[LoveMyRaps]

Gimenez isnt a terrible option at shortstop. I do think he can hit better than he did this season (with his ankle injury also affecting him). But his defensive acumen at shortstop was a big reason we looked so good defensively in the infield once Bo went down. Yes he's definitely a bit overpaid, but I can see him putting up a 3-4 war season largely built around defense alone.

The issue is that you can't carry multiple defense first players in the lineup. If Gimenez slots as the number 9 guy, the rest of the lineup has to hit.

Gimenez is great.
I'm very happy he's a Jay.

[LoveMyRaps]

If we don't sign Bo how do we replace his bat? Don't say Kyle Tucker because it's not realistic.

Bregman?

Bregman-Clement-Gimenez-Vlad

[JCP11]

If we don't sign Bo how do we replace his bat? Don't say Kyle Tucker because it's not realistic.

Bregman?

Bregman-Clement-Gimenez-Vlad

How much would you sign him for?

[Mehar]

If we don't sign Bo how do we replace his bat? Don't say Kyle Tucker because it's not realistic.

Bregman?

Bregman-Clement-Gimenez-Vlad

I prefer a Left Handed Solid middle of the order bat like Bellinger instead. Bellinger at CF to replace the impending departure of Noodle Arm Varsho also, who the Jays will look to move on from this off-season due to his atrocious bat and arm in CF. However, if they can sign both Bregman and Bellinger that would be great. However, I doubt that happens. Bellinger and another Closer like Edwin Diaz or Suarez would be an amazing outcome.

[Parataxis]

Bieber didn't opt-out today...

I think he might stick around.

Him and his wife absolutely loved their time in Toronto and spoke very highly about it.

Even if he wants to stick around, opting out is still probably the right move. This would be huge if he stays for the next year on the same contract.