The Toronto Blue Jays came painfully close to capturing their first World Series title in over three decades. After losing to the Dodgers in a 7-game classic, the Blue Jays’ CEO, Mark Shapiro, will do everything they can to finally bring a title home.

The plan begins with adding Tarik Skubal and Kyle Tucker to address key needs in the rotation and outfield. Tucker primarily stands out as the marquee free agent this offseason, and the Blue Jays are widely expected to be in the mix.

The 28-year-old is a four-time All-Star and widely regarded as the top free agent on the market this winter. He first broke out with the Astros in 2021 and has since put together an impressive .277/.365/.514 slash line (143 wRC+) over the past five seasons. Even MLB Network’s Joel Sherman recently linked Tucker to the Blue Jays during an appearance on The Insiders segment.

In addition to their potential deal with the Cubs, the Blue Jays are also expected to make a strong push for Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. The Tigers and Tarik Skubal appear to be miles apart on a contract extension. That is why the speculations have been growing that Detroit could look to trade him this offseason. MLB insider Lauren Shehadi weighed in on the situation as well. She admitted that she’s not happy about it but sees a trade as inevitable.

If the Blue Jays do pursue Skubal and Tucker, acquiring them would mean being ready to meet their hefty price tag, a potential $400 million extension each. Financially, it doesn’t look like the Blue Jays plan on holding back, especially after the recent comments from team president and CEO Mark Shapiro.

“I mean, you’re on the biggest stage. So I think that what may have been known throughout maybe smaller circles in the industry is now known by the world, which is that this is a world-class city, an incredible place to play. It’s the best ballpark or one of the best ballparks in all of major league baseball. We care deeply about our players.” He admitted it during the end-of-season media availability. Even Ross Atkins gave a hint about what position the Blue Jays will target this offseason.

Another big question facing the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason is whether they’ll bring back their star shortstop, Bo Bichette.

Ross Atkins drops a hint about the Blue Jays’ top off-season target

After securing an extension with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. earlier in the 2025 season, it started to feel like Bichette’s time in Toronto might be coming to an end. But Bichette’s contract situation isn’t the only thing on the Blue Jays’ plate this winter; GM Ross Atkins has already hinted that starting pitching will be their top priority this offseason.

“We feel good about the free-agent market and the starting-pitching market. Relative to most years, it’s a little bit better, seemingly. We’ll get to work on the trade front as well and have started that,” Atkins said.

That comment says a lot. The Blue Jays aren’t just eyeing the starting pitching market. They’ve likely already started making calls to explore trade options. With Trey Yesavage expected to make the 2026 Opening Day roster, the rotation on paper could feature him alongside Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Shane Bieber, and Bowden Francis.

From Atkins’ comments, it’s clear that Toronto is ready to do whatever it takes to strengthen its starting rotation. A promising sign for a team determined to make another run at the World Series.