The Toronto Blue Jays may have missed out on Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, but that does not mean they are done shopping at the top of the free-agent market.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Blue Jays are “making some progress” in their discussions with outfielder Anthony Santander. Heyman also noted that the Blue Jays are eyeing first baseman Pete Alonso as well as upgrades to the pitching staff.
Playing at the top of the free-agent market is nothing new for the Blue Jays. The problem comes in actually landing one of those players. Sasaki is just the latest of a series of disappointments; the Blue Jays failed to land outfielder Juan Soto and two-way star Shohei Ohtani.
Santander would be a good fit for the Blue Jays lineup. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is currently listed atop the depth chart at first base and designated hitter. Right fielder George Springer had a disappointing 2024 and is 35 years old. Left fielder Joey Loperfido showed flashes of his potential but is still unproven in an everyday role. Santander would not only provide another powerful bat in the lineup but also be an upgrade at right or a threat as the Blue Jays DH.
Alonso is not as easy of a fit. He is strictly a first baseman or a designated hitter. However, adding Alonso would have a domino effect on the roster. Guerrero could slide over to third, where light hitting Ernie Clement is atop the depth chart. He made 12 appearances at the hot corner in 2024, his most since his rookie year in 2019, showing drastically improved defense.
Likewise, the Blue Jays pitching staff has questions as spring training approaches. Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios and Chris Bassitt are a solid trio. Francis Bowden was excellent when inserted into the rotation but needs to prove himself. The fifth starter spot remains up in the air as the oft-injured Alek Manoah and Yariel Rodriguez are likely to battle for that position. Jeff Hoffman and Yimi Garcia should strengthen the bullpen, but another reliever or two would help.