LAS VEGAS — Armed with the cachet of an inspired World Series run that captivated both fans and the wider industry’s interest, the Toronto Blue Jays jumped into the off-season with what some agents called a motivated posture across various player markets.
One prominent agent believes the American League champions will find a more receptive audience for their pitches this winter, too, having shown the baseball world how success looks north of the border.
Baseball tends to have “a pack mentality,” said the agent, and between seeing players succeed with the Blue Jays, the enthusiasm from fans Canada-wide and positive reviews of the team’s facilities, “it should be easier for them to get players” this off-season.
A second agent described the Blue Jays as “hungry” and “acting like the big boys,” while both representatives said Toronto is involved on top-end starting pitchers, back-end relievers, position players and talent from Asia.
“They’re in every market,” said the second agent.
That’s not necessarily different than in previous years, as the Blue Jays generally canvas the entire player pool to assess what opportunities may exist for them. But after losing Game 7 of the World Series to the now two-time champion Los Angeles Dodgers, they may have more interest this time around.
As well-positioned as they seemingly are, markets in baseball often take weeks, even months, to develop, with one executive remarking how teams are more comfortable than ever doing business in January.
Last year, for instance, the Blue Jays’ biggest free-agent signings — Anthony Santander, Jeff Hoffman and Max Scherzer — took place once the calendar flipped from 2024 to 2025, so their current motivation doesn’t guarantee anything.
Simply put, it’s demonstrative of the wide range of options they’re examining, along with perhaps an increased receptiveness to their pursuits from the industry.
