The Toronto Blue Jays are facing a pivotal offseason, with critical decisions that will shape the team’s future. After finishing last in the highly competitive American League East, the team is under pressure to make bold moves. With stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette approaching free agency after the 2025 season, the Blue Jays are at a crossroads: either invest heavily in improving the roster and securing their core players or embark on a full-scale rebuild.
The franchise’s management has already shown interest in locking down Guerrero with a long-term extension. However, progress on that front has been slow, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the team’s next move. While their past pursuits of big names like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto fell short, Toronto’s ambition to assemble a championship-caliber roster remains evident.
In this context, one intriguing possibility has emerged: acquiring former Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes. This potential move could not only bolster Toronto’s pitching rotation but also serve as a strategic play to encourage Guerrero to stay with the team long-term.
Burnes: A Game-Changing Addition
Corbin Burnes has solidified his reputation as one of the league’s elite pitchers, and his availability this offseason has generated significant buzz. Adding Burnes to Toronto’s roster could transform their starting rotation into one of the strongest in baseball. With Burnes at the helm, the Blue Jays could feature a formidable lineup of starters, including Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Bowden Francis, and Chris Bassitt.
Such a loaded rotation might even allow the team to trade one of its established pitchers, like Gausman or Bassitt, to address other roster needs. This approach could make the team more competitive in 2025, addressing the shortcomings that led to their disappointing finish this past season.
Acquiring Burnes wouldn’t just be about improving the team on the field; it would send a powerful message to Guerrero and Bichette about the franchise’s commitment to winning. Signing a player of Burnes’ caliber could signal to their star players that Toronto is serious about competing for championships, potentially influencing their decisions when free agency looms.
The Financial Stakes
The move wouldn’t come cheap. Burnes is expected to command a significant long-term contract in free agency, which might rival some of the largest deals handed out to pitchers in recent years. For the Blue Jays, the investment could be seen as part of a larger strategy to secure the future of their team.
The financial implications extend beyond just Burnes’ deal. If the Blue Jays commit to such a high-profile acquisition, they’ll also need to address the looming extensions for Guerrero and Bichette. Both players are vital to the team’s identity and success, and losing them would likely spark a rebuild. The challenge lies in balancing these financial commitments while staying competitive in a division that includes perennial powerhouses like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays.
Why Burnes Makes Sense for Toronto
Burnes isn’t just a luxury acquisition; he fills a critical need. Pitching depth is a must in the AL East, where every game counts, and a strong rotation can be the difference between contending and falling behind. Furthermore, Burnes’ addition could weaken competitors who might otherwise sign him, giving Toronto an edge in the divisional race.
The Blue Jays have also had the chance to observe Burnes closely, having faced him during interleague matchups. His ability to dominate on the mound makes him an attractive target for a team looking to rebound quickly and contend for a playoff spot.
A Clear Path Forward
The coming months will be crucial for the Blue Jays. If they hope to keep Guerrero and Bichette beyond 2025, they’ll need to prove that the franchise is fully committed to winning. Acquiring a player like Burnes would be a bold move, but it might be the kind of statement the team needs to make to secure its future.
By bringing in an All-Star pitcher, Toronto would position itself as a serious contender while sending a clear message to its young stars: the Blue Jays are in it to win it. Whether this strategy will succeed remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—this offseason could define the next decade for the Toronto Blue Jays.