LAS VEGAS – An apparent contradiction often emerges as executives leave the GM Meetings.
Most teams don’t actually make any moves at the annual gathering, yet executives often say they’re encouraged by how productive the meetings were.
How can that be?
Well, in the Blue Jays’ case, it connects to how many meetings they had with agencies and other teams – in this case, over 100, according to general manager Ross Atkins.
"I feel really good,” Atkins said from a Starbucks in the ARIA Resort & Casino before the GM Meetings came to an end Thursday morning. “I feel very confident that we are attractive to several demographics, feel like we've learned more about individuals on the free agent and trade side in every demographic that could impact us. So coming away feeling more confident than I did four days ago.”
The GM said the trajectory of the Blue Jays “has just gotten better and better” as the team has emerged as a consistent playoff contender that’s willing to spend on top free agents.
“Because of the support that we have had in so many different ways,” he said. “Not just as it relates to payroll, but the commitment to supporting families, the commitment to advanced resources. We are a very attractive destination, and that helps us immensely. As far as agents or teams coming to us or players coming to us, it just feels like it gets a little bit better every year.”
Reinforcing that point, the Blue Jays have been chosen by free agents like George Springer, Kazuma Okamoto, Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, Jeff Hoffman, Tyler Rogers and many others in recent years. The proof of concept is there. Now it’s time to go out there and do it all again.
Movement in the relief market
Evan Phillips signed a three-year, $35 million deal despite pitching a total of 31.2 innings over the past two seasons, an indication that the relief market may be robust.
Phillips touches 100 m.p.h. with a lifetime 3.37 ERA and 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings, so it’s no surprise the 32-year-old was in demand – but that’s still a stronger-than-expected deal.
Elsewhere on the relief market, sources said the Blue Jays continued showing interest in some top pitchers, including left-hander Alex Vesia and right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga. While the bullpen is priority No. 3 for the Blue Jays behind offence and starting pitching, they’d love to add to their relief group if possible.
More trust in Miles
While they haven’t finalized his role for 2027, the Blue Jays hope to see Spencer Miles build on an exceptional rookie season that saw him pitch 95.2 innings.
"We want him to prepare to be able to throw more innings,” Atkins said. “That gives us and him the ability to pivot. Once we get there, we would like for his role in an ideal world to be stable. But versatility is incredible. So it doesn't mean that we won't have him changing roles or have him moving from starter to relief. But we would like to decrease volatility and increase workload.”
Of course, the Blue Jays continue surveying the starting pitching market, including top arms like Tarik Skubal, Michael King and Freddy Peralta.
Sources said they’re also intrigued by some pitchers whose platform years were interrupted by injuries, including Michael Soroka and Kris Bubic. If healthy, those pitchers have the upside to outperform far more expensive pitchers for a more modest guarantee.
Speaking broadly, Atkins acknowledged the importance of adding rotation depth, especially after a season where injuries cost the Blue Jays so significantly.
"Starters are the hardest to acquire because it's the hardest thing to do,” Atkins said. “And then guys that can haul innings are very attractive. But we also want to make sure that we're getting the highest leverage outs on both sides. So you kind of have to do all of it to have one of the better pitching staffs, which is certainly our goal.”
