If they pursue one of MLB’s top pitchers in free agency, the Toronto Blue Jays, who haven’t made much of an impression in the winter, might alter that.
Teams can still try to sign Corbin Burnes, the former star of the Baltimore Orioles. The Blue Jays started Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, and Charlie Bassit, all of whom recorded 150 or more strikeouts and ERAs below 4.50 last season.
However, the Blue Jays have space to add a headliner to their rotation after dealing former 2021 All-Star Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros halfway through the previous season.
Burnes enters. The California native was 15-9 in the 2024 season with an outstanding 2.92 ERA and 1.10 WHIP, striking out 181 batters in 32 games. One of the best strikeout artists and one of the most productive pitchers in the major leagues, the previous 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner.
Next season and beyond, Burnes may step in and lead Toronto’s front. Even if Toronto increases their offer to superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays’ estimated payroll figures of $193.09 and $136.89 million for the upcoming season are unlikely to surpass $200 million.
Given Burnes’ talent level, age of 30, and influence on winning—as seen by his 3.1 WAR from the previous campaign—it would be well worth it to sign him to a $250 million contract that would span six or seven years.