If the Toronto Blue Jays want to be a contending team next season, they must focus on targeting veteran free agents to amplify their roster. Their 2024 season they showcased many loopholes in their offense. Their struggles offensively led them to a poor ranking of 23rd in runs scored. As well, as ranking 26th in home runs and 17th in OPS. Following these poor stats, the Blue Jays already got the ball rolling by firing their hitting coach, Guillermo Martínez. While the Blue Jays have strong young players who have demonstrated moments of success and productivity, they need experienced players. They need clutch players that can supplement players such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They need a cluster of offensive spark plugs that will get fans excited about next season and the future.
“Playing from behind in the AL East is not the easiest thing to do.”
Kevin Barker and @SNJeffBlair share their #BlueJays 2025 lineup projections and why it’s important to get off to a good start. #TOTHECORE
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Offseason Free Agent Veterans The Blue Jays Should Target
Tyler O’Neill
O’Neill is a 29-year-old Canadian free-agent outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. This season he hit 31 home runs, along with 61 RBIs and 99 hits. In addition, on July 29th, O’Neill was named the AL Player of the Week. He impressively hit .429 along with four homers. Along with his solid offense, O’Neill also is strong in the outfield. He has a throwing arm that is precise and powerful. His accuracy with throwing was good enough to earn him two Gold Gloves (2020, 2021) when he played for the St. Louis Cardinals. With the Blue Jays losing Daulton Varsho to right shoulder surgery and unaware of his return, O’Neill is a viable option. He is flexible when playing different outfield positions, but his forte is left field.
Teoscar Hernandez
Hernandez is a former Blue Jay who, in the past, has already claimed that he would love to return to Toronto. He will be a free agent following this season. Hernandez has had a solid 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers recording 33 home runs, 99 RBIs, and 160 hits. Fans would love to have Hernandez back in a Blue Jays uniform. Hernandez is also resilient following a hit by a pitch to hit foot about three weeks ago. Luckily, he avoided going on the injury list. The Blue Jays need tough players that can remain healthy on their roster. The 2024 season has struck many teams, including the Blue Jays, with numerous injuries.
Anthony Santander
Santander has been a home run beast this season for the Baltimore Orioles blasting 44 homers along with 102 RBIs and 140 hits. With the Blue Jays low ranking in home runs this season they need power bats. Santander earned his first All-Star selection this season. He is also a switch hitter with solid bat speed at the plate. He is also equipped with a low ground-ball rate, which is one of his many appealing attributes. One of the many issues that the Blue Jays have continued to struggle with is consistency with offense. The number of times the Blue Jays have left runners stranded on base when they had golden opportunities to score is a repetitive issue. Santander is also known for drawing walks, a similar upside that Vladdy has demonstrated this season. Santander and Vladdy in the same lineup would be a lethal combo.
Main Photo Credits: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
