With homegrown talents Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette in the final year of their contracts, the Toronto Blue Jays enter the 2025 Major League Baseball season at a crossroads. After a disappointing 74-88 campaign last year, the team is under pressure to perform early and prove they remain contenders in the American League East. Otherwise, a potential midseason sell-off could reshape the franchise’s future.
The upcoming months will be pivotal in determining whether the Blue Jays can return to postseason contention or if management will be forced into a rebuild by moving key players before they hit free agency. The 162-game season begins with Toronto hosting the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday at 3:07 p.m. ET.
“I don’t think there’s any reason why we can’t, if everything clicks, be one of the top teams in the AL East,” said starting pitcher Kevin Gausman, emphasizing the team’s belief in their potential.
Offseason Moves: Additions and Missed Opportunities The Blue Jays aggressively pursued marquee free agents, including superstar outfielder Juan Soto and Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki. However, they ultimately settled for a second-tier group of signings that still bring valuable experience and production.
Slugger Anthony Santander, fresh off a 44-homer season with Baltimore, signed a five-year contract to bring much-needed power to the lineup. Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, despite battling injuries in 2024, joined on a one-year deal, adding experience and leadership to the rotation. The bullpen received reinforcements with closer Jeff Hoffman signing a three-year contract and Yimi Garcia returning on a two-year deal.
Toronto also made a significant trade with Cleveland, acquiring All-Star second baseman Andres Gimenez and reliever Nick Sandlin to bolster both the infield and the bullpen.
“People talk about us missing out on free agents, and they forget that 29 other teams missed out on them too,” manager John Schneider said. “We’re happy with the guys we did acquire, and we’re going to continue to try to get better.”
A Veteran Rotation Anchored by Scherzer The Blue Jays’ rotation features a mix of experienced arms and rising talent. Jose Berrios will take the mound for his second consecutive Opening Day start, while Gausman and Chris Bassitt return as key contributors. Scherzer’s addition provides another layer of reliability—if he can stay healthy after a thumb injury limited him in spring training. Bowden Francis rounds out the rotation, stepping into a full-time starter role after flashing promise in 2024.
“Max’s presence in the clubhouse alone is going to make a difference,” Berrios said. “He’s been in every big moment you can think of. That kind of leadership will help all of us.”
A Lineup in Transition Last season, the Blue Jays struggled offensively, ranking 26th in home runs. While Guerrero led the team with 30 home runs, 103 RBIs, and a .323 batting average, he often lacked sufficient support. Santander’s arrival should help balance the lineup and provide protection for Guerrero in the batting order.
Bichette and George Springer, both coming off down years, could see their roles adjusted. Springer, now 35, may move further down the lineup while Bichette is expected to assume more leadoff duties.
“There’s a lot of talent here,” former outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, now a special assistant, said. “It’s about piecing it together and executing consistently.”
Injury Concerns and Bullpen Depth Injuries have already created some concerns for Toronto’s pitching staff. Ryan Burr has experienced shoulder fatigue, while relievers Erik Swanson and Zach Pop are dealing with elbow issues. The bullpen, now featuring Hoffman and Sandlin alongside Chad Green, will need to step up in high-leverage situations.
Meanwhile, Gold Glove outfielder Daulton Varsho is expected to miss the start of the season after undergoing rotator cuff surgery in September. He could return to center field in April, but until then, Toronto will rely on a rotation of outfielders.
Contract Uncertainty Looms Over Guerrero and Bichette The biggest storyline hanging over the Blue Jays this season is the future of their two franchise cornerstones. Guerrero, who reportedly sought a 14-year, $500 million extension, has yet to reach an agreement with the team. Bichette is also playing on an expiring deal, making both potential trade candidates if Toronto struggles.
“Obviously, I love being here, but I don’t control those decisions,” Guerrero said during spring training. “My focus is on winning games.”
The Blue Jays’ front office faces a dilemma—either compete for a playoff spot or risk losing their stars for little return in free agency. If the team falters early, expect trade rumors to intensify as the July deadline approaches.
A Make-or-Break Season Toronto has reached the playoffs three times in the last five years but hasn’t won a postseason game since 2016. FanDuel’s sportsbook currently lists the Blue Jays as a 65-1 underdog to win the World Series.
As Opening Day approaches, the message from the clubhouse is clear: the talent is there to win, but execution will determine whether this team is a contender or if sweeping changes are on the horizon.
