The Toronto Blue Jays offseason quest for rotation reinforcements is underway. Toronto has a clear emphasis on durability and athleticism. According to MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson, the team’s scouting priorities point to pitchers who can provide consistent, high-quality innings. Matheson notes that familiar faces like Yusei Kikuchi or high-end targets like Max Fried align with this approach. However, their price tags may be steep, particularly for Fried. Kikuchi, having previously pitched for the Blue Jays, would bring a known commodity to the table.
Yet, Matheson suggests that the real value lies in embracing calculated risk and upside. One intriguing option is Shane Bieber, the talented right-hander whose potential could be revitalized in the right environment.
Blue Jays’ Pitching Pursuit of Max Fried and More
Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reports that the Blue Jays are among the clubs interested in Fried. Jon Heyman of The New York Post even connected Fried to the Blue Jays, along with the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox. Fried tossed 884 1/3 innings for Atlanta in his career. His 23.9% career strikeout rate and 6.8% walk rate are both a bit better than average while his 54.4% ground ball rate is strong.
Given Fried’s track record of success, the Blue Jays were planning to pursue starting pitching. They have three established veterans led by Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios and Chirs Bassitt. Each have been dominant at times and even when this group isn’t at its best, it is fairly reliable. Bowden Francis seemingly earned a rotation spot after posting a 1.80 ERA over his final 11 appearances.
Regardless of external signings, Mitch Bloss is a very important pitcher. The Bloss acquisition — in the trade that sent Kikuchi to the Houston Astros — was all about 2025 and beyond, given the realities of the rotation. Bloss, 23, didn’t light it up after joining the Blue Jays, posting a 6.91 ERA over his right starts with Triple-A Buffalo. Toronto will likely open the season with the right-hander in Triple-A as the “next man up,” something they haven’t a clear option for in years.
Beyond the pitching needs, they also have holes in the infield, outfield and bullpen. The trade market could help in some of those areas, but they will have to figure out how to direct their resources in addressing multiple issues.
As the Blue Jays navigate the free agent market, they must balance their desire for reliability with the potential for upside.
Main Photo: © D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
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