Toronto Blue Jays drawing lots of attention at GM Meetings in Las Vegas

One prominent player agent believes the American League champions will find a more receptive audience for their pitches this winter, 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 they are involved on top-end starting pitchers, back-end relievers, position players and talent from Asia.

While various predictions and reports continue linking the Blue Jays to free agent position players like Kyle Tucker and the incumbent Bo Bichette, the one area they absolutely must bolster is pitching.

The departures of Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer leave a hole in the starting rotation, and filling that void appears to be the team's top priority this winter.

Given that Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber are both eligible for free agency after the 2026 season, while Jose Berrios can exercise an opt out next fall, pursuing a front-line arm to act as a pillar in the rotation next year and beyond would be a logical move.

At present, the most likely path ahead may be one additional starting pitcher to join that trio and, presumably, Trey Yesavage.

However, there may also be opportunities for the Blue Jays to add multiple pitchers capable of starting if they acquire a swing reliever along the lines of Eric Lauer, who will also return.

Beyond that, and perhaps more important than a swing reliever, they're likely to also seek a late-inning reliever who can miss bats in high leverage, replacing Seranthony Dominguez, who is also a free agent.

In an ideal world, the Blue Jays would find a way to add an impact bat to their offence while also adding meaningfully to their pitching staff.

Here at the GM Meetings, they're exploring ways to accomplish precisely that this winter.

Source: Sportsnet
Credit: Ben Nicholson-Smith, Shi Davidi
Pitching appears to be emerging as Blue Jays' winter priority