3 free agents the Blue Jays should invest in, 2 they should avoid
Although several top free agents have recently signed, the Toronto Blue Jays still have access to elite candidates to strengthen their roster for 2026. Concurrently, there are some free agents the team should be cautious about pursuing.
Blue Jays should invest in RP Robert Suárez
With the premier relief pitcher, Edwin Diaz, recently acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Blue Jays should now shift their focus to former San Diego Padres closer Robert Suárez.
Suárez stands out due to his exceptional control and command. His walk rate has consistently improved over the last three seasons, dropping from 11% in 2022 to under 6% in 2025, placing him in the 85th percentile league-wide. His fastball velocity remains impressive, averaging 98.6 mph last year, ranking in the 97th percentile while striking out 75 batters over 69.2 innings.
Additionally, Suárez has not allowed more than seven home runs in any season, a stark contrast to the issues the Blue Jays’ bullpen faced in 2025, particularly with closer Jeff Hoffman.
Blue Jays should avoid RP Pete Fairbanks
Recent discussions suggest the Blue Jays have shown interest in former Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks, likely due to their experiences facing him in divisional matchups. Fairbanks has an impressive ERA of 1.33 along with 35 strikeouts in 28 career games against the Blue Jays.
However, the Blue Jays should be wary of several troubling signs. Fairbanks has struggled with injuries, missing substantial time due to multiple issues from 2021 through 2024. Furthermore, he has lost speed on his fastball, resulting in a decline in his strikeout rate from a career-high of 43.7% in 2022 to just 24.2% last season. Considering these factors, it would be wise for the Blue Jays to avoid this 31-year-old reliever.
Blue Jays should invest in INF Alex Bregman
In addition to strengthening their bullpen, acquiring a powerful bat is essential for the Blue Jays this offseason, especially if they lose Bo Bichette. Alex Bregman, a three-time All-Star, could fill that role effectively.
Bregman, a former Silver Slugger, has shown the ability to routinely score close to 100 runs, hit 30 home runs, and drive in 100 RBIs each season while maintaining a solid batting average and elite OPS over .800. Despite facing injuries during the 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox, he still managed a pace of 25 home runs and 88 RBIs with an impressive .273 batting average and an .821 OPS.
Blue Jays should avoid OF Adolis Garcia
Adolis Garcia, surprisingly non-tendered by the Texas Rangers after the 2025 season, has emerged as an intriguing option for the Blue Jays as a power hitter. A former two-time All-Star, Garcia showcases the offensive and defensive talents the team seeks in an outfielder, having registered two seasons with over 30 home runs and 100 RBIs, along with Gold Glove recognition.
However, the reason the Rangers let him go may stem from concerns about plate discipline. Last season, he walked only 28 times in 547 plate appearances, finishing with a career-low batting average of .227 and a troubling .665 OPS. Furthermore, his bat speed and hard-hit metrics have been declining since 2023, raising concerns about his fit in Toronto.
Blue Jays should definitely invest in OF Kyle Tucker
After missing out on top free agents in the last two offseasons, the Blue Jays should seize the opportunity to pursue this year’s leading talent, Kyle Tucker, a player with the potential to be generational. In 2024, despite limited play due to injury, Tucker posted impressive stats, batting nearly .300 and putting up remarkable offensive numbers.
Pairing Tucker with perennial MVP candidate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could create a formidable lefty-righty duo, likely tormenting pitchers across the league for the next decade.
