Three areas the Toronto Blue Jays need to focus on this season

All of this was possible in 2025 thanks to the Blue Jays’ incredible clubhouse chemistry and wide-open AL East division. If Toronto wants to repeat this kind of success next season, it will have to remain aggressive this offseason, among many contenders.

There will be a lot of mountains the Blue Jays will have to climb this season to create their magic again, but here are three key areas they need to focus on before spring training.

Redraw Bo Bichette or find creative alternatives

On November 6, the Blue Jays announced that they had extended a qualifying offer to all-star shortstop Bo Bichette. It is very likely that Bichette will reject the offer to wait for an offer that will give him the years and money he so desires. The cost of bringing back Bichette won’t be cheap for the Blue Jays, but it’s a cost the team would have to accept if they’re willing to keep another face of the franchise besides first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

There are a lot of upsides to re-signing Bichette to the Blue Jays. The first is that his signing would signal the team’s belief in the 2025 core that has punched its ticket to the World Series. The Florida native was instrumental in putting Toronto in front for the final game of the World Series before the Dodgers returned, while managing to produce impressive RBIs despite his knee injury.

But if the Blue Jays have doubts about Bichette’s abilities, such as his defense and declining sprint speed, they will have to find alternatives to fill the hole Bichette has left in the infield. The team already has quality defensemen like Ernie Clement and Andrés Giménez, which would open doors for Toronto to explore offensive players like Alex Bregman. Whatever path the Blue Jays take, Bichette will have to be brought back or replaced somehow.

Complete the starting rotation

As soon as the World Series ended in early November, the Blue Jays knew they would lose more than half of their starting rotation.

The Blue Jays can’t risk an increase in home runs again in 2026, while other AL East teams can expect a rebound and a more competitive playoff race.

The starting rotation free-agent market doesn’t have a top-tier prospect, but there are still skilled pitchers the team could target. Dylan Cease, Zac Gallen and Ranger Suarez will bring durability and reliability to the table, while Lucas Giolito, Adrian Houser and Brandon Woodruff can bring their high-risk, high-reward profiles. Depending on the type of risk the Blue Jays are willing to take, there are still ways to strengthen the rotation for a deeper playoff run.

Bieber’s 2026 contract pick was the start of strengthening the Blue Jays’ core roster; they will have to beat out a lot of candidates to sign good starters. A team’s starting rotation is the lifeblood of a team. The Blue Jays will have to make wise choices to have another shot at glory.

There is no such thing as enough relief pitching

Relief pitching is generally volatile. A core that used to be good can turn into a mess in an instant because relievers throw fewer innings and their performance isn’t as consistent as starters because of the way relief pitching works. Even with the possibility of injured relievers returning next season, the team still needs to find flamethrowers or relievers who tend to walk fewer batters to have a chance at cleaner innings during both the regular season and the playoffs.

If Jeff Hoffman isn’t married to the closer role in Toronto’s eyes, this offseason is their chance to find a new closer. The free agent market is also full of options: Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez for starters. Bullpens are no longer an option for a playoff team — they’re a necessity — and the Blue Jays should consider some of these top names this winter.