Biggest questions for the Blue Jays this low season

TORONTO — A season that began stuffed with hope resulted in disappointment for the 2026 Toronto Blue Jays.

A World Series run and free-agent additions, together with Dylan Cease, Kazuma Okamoto and Tyler Rogers, fueled optimism because the yr started. But resulting from accidents and underperformance, they completed the season simply 79-83, lacking the playoffs by 5.0 video games regardless of a weak American League.

Now, it’s time to look ahead. While different entrance places of work will spend the month game-planning for the playoffs, the Blue Jays should flip their consideration ahead.

Even in a playoff yr, they commit vital assets to understanding the upcoming free agent and commerce markets every October. Those efforts solely intensify in a yr the place they miss, so count on the entrance workplace and training workers to deal with discovering enhancements — each getting essentially the most out of their present gamers and discovering newcomers to affix the roster.

With that in thoughts, right here’s a glance forward at a couple of of the largest questions now dealing with the Blue Jays as they give the impression of being to rebound …

How will the Blue Jays get essentially the most out of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 

This is fairly clearly query No. 1 for the Blue Jays, and if the answer was apparent, we wouldn’t be right here. Guerrero Jr.’s 2026 season totals communicate volumes: 9 house runs, a .688 OPS and 1.1 WAR. 

Beyond the numbers, it was additionally a difficult season for the 27-year-old, who stated these struggles weighed on him closely. As the season drew to an in depth, he heard boos at Rogers Centre, the place he managed only one house run. 

Now, Guerrero Jr. can get began on a couple of fronts. Physically, it’s an opportunity to relaxation after an intense couple of seasons that additionally included a prolonged post-season run and the 2026 World Baseball Classic. And whereas some relaxation is probably going essential, it’ll quickly be time to construct again up once more.

Mechanically, Guerrero Jr. can work on his swing to verify he’s not shedding any of the issues that beforehand made him an impression bat. For occasion, by making an attempt to cowl two-seamers inside early within the season, the Blue Jays really feel like he misplaced a few of his energy to the center of the sphere.

As for the psychological aspect of the sport, the low season represents an opportunity to reset and make the most of among the assets the Blue Jays supply behind the scenes. One method or one other, this offseason is an actual likelihood for a turnaround.

How will the Blue Jays increase their offence?

The Blue Jays’ offence was objectively terrible this yr. Of the 30 MLB groups, they ranked thirtieth in house runs and thirtieth in runs scored, so if there’s one space the Blue Jays should completely deal with from exterior the group this winter, it’s offence. 

How do they get again to the place they have been a yr in the past this time?

“We’ve been asking ourselves that all year,” supervisor John Schneider stated Sunday. “We just didn’t hit the standard.”

If Guerrero Jr. is his typical self, he’s hitting much more than 9 house runs. A wholesome Anthony Santander would assist, too. And Addison Barger, who delivered just one hit all season (a double), also needs to supply extra in 2027.

At the identical time, the Blue Jays clearly want exterior assist. George Springer is getting ready to free company and not matches this roster cleanly. Plus, others might get harm or regress. 

Under these circumstances, Blue Jays executives will spend a lot of October surveying the commerce and free agent markets for bats. Free brokers together with Seiya Suzuki, Brandon Lowe and Randy Arozarena are positive to be the topics of loads of due diligence from the Blue Jays, with extra critical pursuits potential. And speculatively, the likes of C.J. Abrams and Gunnar Henderson can be fascinating, albeit extraordinarily high-priced commerce targets.

There’s additionally the Japanese market, together with 27-year-old Teruaki Sato, who’s sure to attract curiosity from the Blue Jays this winter. 

How will the Blue Jays navigate the Japanese market?

There’s loads of expertise abroad, and the Blue Jays have emerged as a number one candidate for gamers out of Japan and Korea in recent times. While not all of their pursuits have resulted in free agent signings, the acquisitions of Cody Ponce and, extra importantly, Kazuma Okamoto, present proof of idea for the strides the workforce has made there.

True to type, the Blue Jays are placing in vital work scouting the newest class of gamers that includes the left-handed hitter Sato and pitcher Kaima Taira, amongst others. While Sato has primarily performed third base this season, he additionally has expertise as a nook outfielder and his offensive numbers — 37 house runs and a 1.012 OPS — can’t be ignored. The Blue Jays have early curiosity in these two amongst others; the query is how critical that curiosity turns into and to what extent it’s reciprocated. 

With Okamoto in place — and succeeding — the Blue Jays are higher positioned than ever to recruit NPB stars. The third baseman says he’s completely happy to assist GM Ross Atkins recruit if requested, and he’s stated to be pleasant with Suzuki, which could possibly be helpful if the Blue Jays wish to push for the longtime Cub.

How will the Blue Jays use Spencer Miles in 2027?

In a yr full of underwhelming performances, Spencer Miles was the final word overachiever. A Rule 5 choose whose earlier skilled profession excessive in innings pitched was 16, the 26-year-old soared previous all cheap expectations by posting a 2.63 ERA in 95.2 innings.

So, what now? Schneider estimated the Blue Jays might fairly add 20-30 innings to that complete in 2027, creating the likelihood that he might flip into an efficient No. 5 starter.

“I think he has his stuff to do it,” Schneider stated. “You just have to be pretty convicted in a plan based on his background and what’s going to be best for him health-wise.”

The choice will even be impacted by how a lot beginning pitching the Blue Jays add over the winter. The extra wholesome starters they’ve, the extra tempting it’ll be to maintain Miles within the high-leverage, high-volume bullpen function he carved out for himself in 2026.

How will the Blue Jays navigate a possible work stoppage?

Unfortunately, there’s vital labour uncertainty hovering over the offseason, with MLB anticipated to lock out the gamers beginning Dec. 1.

If and when there’s a piece stoppage, workforce staff will not be allowed to contact gamers on 40-man rosters, so the Blue Jays are engaged on a sequence of personalised exercise plans for every participant. That method, the gamers could have some path and help ought to there be an prolonged time frame the place contact isn’t permitted.

Will there be a Rule 5 Draft, forcing the Blue Jays so as to add the likes of Gage Stanifer and Nolan Perry to their 40-man roster? If so, who will get protected? … Will Max Scherzer hold pitching following his unimaginable season finale, and will a reunion with the Blue Jays happen? … Will Josh Smith be tendered a contract by arbitration, although it’ll imply paying him greater than his present $3.23 million wage? … If they don’t train Myles Straw’s $8 million membership possibility, might the Blue Jays nonetheless discover a technique to convey him again? As of now, Straw doesn’t know, however he loves enjoying in Toronto. … Speaking of gamers who love Toronto, might Shane Bieber return? And what are Kevin Gausman’s plans? … On the harm entrance, how does Dylan Cease’s shoulder get better from the shoulder irritation that pressured him to the injured record on the finish of the season? … And how does Mason Fluharty get better from a season by which he pitched an MLB-leading 83 occasions? … Lastly, how lots of the Blue Jays’ 12 big-league coaches return for 2027?