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Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) hugs teammate George Springer after being pulled in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds during MLB action in Toronto on Sept. 27, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank
By The Canadian Press

With likely lockout looming, a busy off-season underway for Blue Jays and MLB teams

Nov 3, 2026 | 3:18 PM

TORONTO — With a potential lockout looming in early December, a busy month is expected around Major League Baseball.

It should be an intriguing off-season for the Toronto Blue Jays, who have several big-name players coming off the books as free agents. General manager Ross Atkins will be busy as he aims to get the team on track after a last-place finish in the American League East Division standings.

Here’s a look at five things to watch on the Blue Jays’ front:

FREE AGENCY

George Springer, Max Scherzer, Yimi Garcia and Shane Bieber are some of the high-profile players who are now out of contract with the Blue Jays. Toronto also declined Myles Straw’s club option for the 2027 season.

The team could still be interested in some of those players, but it will depend on a number of factors, including the appetite in the free agency market.

The Blue Jays have reinstated several players from the 60-day injured list, including right-hander Cody Ponce (knee), who’s expected to be a key cog in the starting rotation next year.

Right-hander Jose Berrios (elbow), also reinstated from the 60-day IL, decided not to opt out of the final two years of his seven-year, US$131-million contract.

He’s expected to return for the second half of the season and join a rotation that’s currently set to be anchored by ace Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Jose Soriano and Ponce.

BIG NAMES

The Blue Jays have not been afraid to make big splashes early in free agency season, and they could very well be active again this year.

The team struck quickly last fall to land Cease on a seven-year, $210-million deal.

The biggest name in this year’s class is starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, who’s expected to set a record for a free-agent pitcher contract. Other star hurlers available include Michael King, Sonny Gray and Freddy Peralta.

The Blue Jays are among the big spenders in the sport and may be in the mix to add a high-profile starter even though it’s not necessarily a pressing need. As this year’s injury-plagued campaign showed, starting depth can be paramount over a 162-game season.

POSITION PLAYERS

There are some question marks as the Blue Jays’ focus shifts to the 2027 lineup.

Can sluggers Addison Barger and Anthony Santander return to previous form after extended injury absences? Will infielder Ernie Clement rebound after a rough second half? And who will replace Springer as designated hitter?

Toronto has several areas of strength (catcher, bullpen) and may look to the trade market as well.

INTERNATIONAL MARKET

Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto was one of the few bright spots on a Toronto team that disappointed on the heels of its World Series appearance in 2025.

The Blue Jays may explore the Asian market again this fall, and there are prominent Japanese players available now that their posting windows are open.

Pitchers Hiromi Itoh and Kaima Taira and slugger Teruaki Sato are names to watch in a free-agent class that also includes second baseman Brandon Lowe and outfielders Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki.

DEADLINES APPROACHING

Some key dates over the month ahead include the Nov. 10-12 general manager meetings and the Nov. 17-19 owners’ meetings.

On Nov. 17, the deadline arrives for teams to protect eligible players from the Rule 5 draft. It’s also the deadline for players to accept or reject qualifying offers.

The big date comes Dec. 1, when the current collective bargaining agreement expires at 11:59 p.m. ET.

A potential lockout could begin the next day and, barring a deal, teams would be unable to communicate with players on the 40-man roster.

It remains unclear how long a lockout will be in place, but many baseball observers expect it to last a few months at a minimum.

Toronto’s pre-season schedule is set to begin Feb. 19 with split-squad games against the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates. The Blue Jays’ regular season is set to start March 25 at Yankee Stadium.

With files from The Associated Press.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 3, 2026.

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press






by The Canadian Press