Title: Bolster Toronto Blue Jays' Offense to Keep Pace with New York Yankees
The Toronto Blue Jays might be in for a more exhilarating offseason if they decide to bolster their offense with some potential free agent signees. So far, their acquisitions have primarily focused on strengthening the pitching unit, leaving the hitting department in need of a boost.
They did snag Platinum Glove winner Andres Gimenez in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians, along with Nick Sandlin. While Gimenez boasts an impressive defensive skillset, his offensive production has been inconsistent since his 2022 season, where he delivered a .297 batting average and 17 home runs. Last year, he managed a .252 batting average with nine homers for the Guardians.
George Springer, on the other hand, is another player whose offense leaves something to be desired. Despite boasting 19 home runs last season, Springer hit only .220 and drove in 56 RBIs. The team clearly needs a significant upgrade, and the free agent market has several options.
Topping the list is Alex Bregman, the consistently solid third baseman hailing from the Houston Astros. Bregman delivered a .260 batting average, 26 home runs, and 75 RBIs in 634 plate appearances last season. At 30 years old, he's a gamer and brings experience from a winning environment. Another attractive option is Jurickson Profar, who impressed with the San Diego Padres in 2023, clocking a .280 batting average, 24 home runs, and 85 RBIs in 668 plate appearances.
Anthony Santander provides even more potential firepower and production than right fielder Springer, as he produced a .308 batting average, 44 homers, and 102 RBIs for the Baltimore Orioles in 2023. Pete Alonso, a power-hitting first baseman, is another intriguing option, having delivered 31 doubles, 34 home runs, and drove in 88 runs for the New York Mets the previous season.
The Blue Jays currently have a significant tax payroll and possess the financial means to bring in these players, although increasing their payroll is crucial to compete with teams like the Yankees and the Red Sox. The team's lackluster performance in the 2024 season left much to be desired, and Blue Jays fans expect a substantial improvement going forward. If the team can strengthen their offense with some of these top free agents, the 2025 season could be anything but quiet.
The Toronto Blue Jays' focus on bolstering their pitching unit has left a noticeable gap in their sports money-generating business sector, specifically in the offense. With George Springer's inconsistent offensive performance and Andres Gimenez's modest numbers, acquiring top free agents like Alex Bregman or Jurickson Profar could significantly boost their earnings through ticket sales and merchandise.
