Every big-name free agent Toronto Blue Jays have struck out on this offseason
The Toronto Blue Jays are in the midst of what has been a nightmarish offseason.
After last offseason, in which they missed out on Shohei Ohtani, fans were cautiously optimistic that things would change this time around, as many quality players were up for grabs on the free-agent market.
To the credit of Blue Jays management, they have tried to land many of the available players in hopes of improving their roster. However, this has turned out to be a disaster, as they continue to play the runner-up role and have seen virtually every target to date pick other teams instead.
Here is a look at the many big-name free agents the Blue Jays were linked to but missed out on so far this offseason.
Juan Soto (New York Mets)
It was no hidden secret that the Blue Jays were going to go after Juan Soto this offseason. He had been linked to the club by many insiders, giving fans hope that after missing Ohtani, they would land the top fish available this go around.
While the Blue Jays remained in on Soto right to the end and reportedly offered him a monstrous deal, he instead chose to join the New York Mets on a 15-year, $765 million deal.
Corbin Burnes (Arizona Diamondbacks)
The Blue Jays entered the offseason wanting to improve several areas of their roster, including their pitching rotation. The best available was Corbin Burnes, who they expressed serious interest in.
The Blue Jays and Burnes were in serious talks, as the 30-year-old even took an in-person meeting with management. In the end, however, he decided to sign a six-year, $210 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Max Fried (New York Yankees)
Another pitcher the Blue Jays were linked to was Max Fried. While the ties between the 32-year-old and the Jays didn’t seem as strong as they were with Burnes, they were one of several teams who were said to be targeting the now-former Atlanta Brave.
Losing Fried hurt, but the team he joined made this loss even more of a sting for the Blue Jays fans. The two-time All Star inked an eight-year, $218 million deal with the divisional-rival New York Yankees.
Blake Snell (LA Dodgers)
The third and final pitcher the Blue Jays were linked to early this offseason was Blake Snell. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal had said management was pursuing the two-time Cy Young winner, but yet again, they fell short.
Snell didn’t last on the market for nearly as long as the two pitchers mentioned above, as he inked a five-year, $182 million deal with the LA Dodgers early into free agency.
Teoscar Hernandez (LA Dodgers)
Blue Jays fans have wanted Teoscar Hernandez back from the moment he was traded away following the 2022 season, and for a period of time, it looked as though their wish might come true.
While the Blue Jays were reported to have shown interest in Hernandez, he ultimately chose to re-sign with the Dodgers, who he helped lead to a World Series championship just months ago. The two sides put pen to paper on a three-year, $66 million deal roughly two weeks ago.
Willy Adames (San Francisco Giants)
With the uncertainty surrounding Bo Bichette, it came as little surprise to hear that the Jays had interest in shortstop Willy Adames when free agency first began. The 29-year-old hit the market fresh off a career-high 112 RBIs with the Milwaukee Brewers.
It never became clear how close the Blue Jays were to landing Adames, but it was reported by many that they were showing interest. It didn’t amount to anything, as he instead joined the San Francisco Giants on a seven-year, $182 million deal.
Blue Jays remain linked to some intriguing names
Aside from the recent Jeff Hoffman signing, it’s been a painfully quiet offseason for the Blue Jays in terms of free-agent acquisitions. That said, they are being linked to some of the top names that remain available.
The Jays reportedly have a strong interest in first baseman Pete Alonso and third baseman Alex Bregman. Meanwhile, Anthony Santander, a player they have been linked to right from the start of free agency, has yet to find a new home.
They are also still monitoring the pitching market and remain in the mix on 29-year-old Jack Flaherty.
Toronto fans aren’t optimistic about landing any of the three mentioned, but it’s clear Ross Atkins and his staff are doing what they can to try and make something happen.
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