Toronto Blue Jays free agent pitching target inks five year deal with division rival

After former third baseman Alex Bregman left town to sign to a five year deal with the Chicago Cubs, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow knew he needed to pivot. Rather than upping their pursuit of infielder Bo Bichette, the Sox instead fortified their rotation, signing free agent starter Ranger Suarez to a five year, $130MM deal.

It's a big splash for the Red Sox, and their first agent signing of the Hot Stove season. Suarez figures to slot in at number three behind ace Garrett Crochet and the recently acquired Sonny Gray.

At several points during the offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays were thought to be in on Suarez, though it was unclear if a formal offer was made.

With their signings of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, the likelihood of Suarez coming to Canada significantly diminished.

Now, he will become their opponent in a stacked AL East.

Suarez spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies and was an All-Star in 2024, a season in which he went 12-8 with a 3.46 ERA in 27 starts, including one complete game shutout. He was arguably even better in 2025.

With Suarez now signed, Framber Valdez is the undisputed top pitcher remaining on the free agent market, which still includes former Blue Jays Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer

Their market has been slow to develop, though it should pick up soon.

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