All eyes are on the free agent and trade market right now, as progressive talks are at the forefront of the minds of MLB fans. Some of these talks are ongoing conversations about top-shelf players potentially having deals with teams, or in the New York Yankees’ case, rival teams like the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Yankees have recovered decently well from losing Juan Soto in free agency, bringing in various talents from both markets. These players will fill voids that were lying in the active roster. There are multiple teams either trying to bring back talent, gain talent, or offload payroll.
In the Yankees’ case, their nightmare is one club in their own division looking to boost their roster and remain competitive in the American League East. The Blue Jays seem to be involved in every free-agent conversation as of late. This may have Yankees fans on edge, as some of these free agents could be game-changers if they head to Toronto.
Blue Jays’ Free Agent Failures Have Been Refreshing to Yankees’ Faithful
Toronto has been on the heartbreak end of many failed transactions. The Yankees had one, which was Juan Soto. The Blue Jays date it back to last offseason. when Shohei Ohtani and his agent used the Blue Jays as leverage to strike a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Once again, the Blue Jays were manipulated. International free agent prospect Roki Sasaki had the baseball world spinning in suspense. Everyone wanted to know where he would choose to make a career.
The Yankees were not it and were advised of this off the bat. The Blue Jays were used as leverage again to ensure a free agent got their paycheck in Los Angeles.
Juan Soto toyed with the Blue Jays, before ripping the hearts out of the Yankees organization and going to the crosstown New York Mets.
Alonso Could Help the Blue Jays and Hurt the Yankees
In recent years, the Blue Jays have somewhat emerged to be a huge contender in the AL East, under the Yankees. The Boston Red Sox rivalry has silenced over the years, and the Baltimore Orioles were inconsistent before the last two seasons.
The Yankees and Blue Jays have some bad blood. Every down season for Toronto raises the chances of another AL East title for the Yankees.
Recently, the Blue Jays have allegedly gained ground on a slugger in Queens. After re-signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr to avoid arbitration, the Blue Jays are turning to the free agents. First baseman Pete Alonso is still on the market, with no team signing him yet since he’s holding out for a player-friendly deal.
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins understands his club’s poor performance on the offensive side and knows they need power. Alonso seems to be the guy. The four-time All-Star would be an issue for the Yankees if he made his way to the AL East. He would serve as a complement to both Vlad Jr. and fellow Yankee killer Anthony Santander, who the Blue Jays recently signed to a five-year deal.
Realistically, the Blue Jays could move Guerrero Jr. to third base and rotate him and Alonso in and out of the first base and designated hitter role. That’s at least a combined 60 home runs and 200 RBI between the two hitters if both stay healthy.
This transaction would add great stress to Yankees pitchers. Currently, there are talks that Alonso could decide between the Mets’ and Blue Jays’ offers.
Scherzer Could Fortify Jays Rotation
The Blue Jays already have a phenomenal starting rotation with depth and talent. The Yankees can match that strength. Another free agent linked to the Blue Jays is a right-handed veteran who can add value to any rotation.
Max Scherzer‘s name has come up in the talks around Toronto. The eight-time All-Star is 40 years old, but can still throw the baseball at a highly effective level.
Jon Heyman says on MLB Network:
“Toronto is probably the most likely team for Scherzer at this point”
Scherzer does want to play for a winner… Adding Pete Alonso could be the domino that convinces him to sign with the Blue Jays https://t.co/9XypPxGA9Y
— Blue Jays Today (@TodayJays) January 22, 2025
Scherzer may be asked to work fewer innings and may split starts with one of many fifth-man options in Toronto. If he signs with the Blue Jays, he will accompany Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, Yariel Rodríguez, and when healthy, Alek Manoah.
Scherzer could end up being the fourth man in that rotation. The rotation and bullpen will have depth, also making things difficult for the Yankees, as the two teams will play each other several times a year.
Yankee Killer Bregman Could Be a Huge Threat in the AL East
One more free agent the Blue Jays are linked to is third baseman Alex Bregman. The longtime Houston Astro has been in the conversation amongst many teams, but Toronto would make a lot of sense as a destination.
An addition like this could keep Guerrero Jr. at first base and put Bregman at third base. His numbers are not too far off from Alonso’s 2024 production. His offense and defense would be a huge gain for any team looking to sign him.
These three players are linked to the Blue Jays, with little room for the Yankees to acquire any of them. This could be a huge improvement for Toronto if successful in the market, and could put the Blue Jays back in the conversation with the Yankees as AL East contenders.
Photo Credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
