The Toronto Blue Jays’ offseason is officially underway, with many players set to become free agents as the team begins preparing for the 2027 season.
Eight Toronto players are free agents: George Springer, Luis Urias, Max Scherzer, Patrick Corbin, Paul Sewald, Yimi Garcia, Shane Bieber and Jameson Taillon.
According to those in the know, Bieber could be the most expensive player for Toronto to bring back. Springer and Scherzer also face decisions about whether they want to continue playing in 2027, or retire.
Springer is 37, Scherzer is 42.
In addition, the team is looking at bringing in more new players, potentially another player from Japan in Teruaki Sato of the Hanshin Tigers, and solidifying the roles of up-and-coming talent going forward as the team looks to rebound from a failed 2026 season.
The Blue Jays had a five-day window with their own free agents before the entire free-agent market officially opens on Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. After that, Toronto will be free to negotiate with players from other teams.
There is also a major question hanging over the entire offseason: a potential MLB lockout.
The league’s current collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. With the possibility of a labour dispute looming, teams and players might be more cautious than usual about making long-term commitments.
That could make the next month especially important for Toronto. The Blue Jays will have to decide which of their own players they want to bring back and where they need to add talent before the labour uncertainty takes over the headlines.
For Blue Jays fans, the work of building the next team has begun, and there seems to be a lot to do.