Just weeks after the conclusion of the Toronto Blue Jays' World Series run, they've dominated the offseason's early moves. Toronto landed top free agent pitcher Dylan Cease (in whom the Boston Red Sox were interested) and Cody Ponce, the reigning KBO MVP, to shore up its rotation.
Of course, the Jays aren't done adding. MLB insider Robert Murray of FanSided reported on December 3 that free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker had been spotted visiting the Blue Jays' spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida. The update isn't necessarily shocking, since Toronto's interest in Tucker had already been reported, but interest and action are two different things.
The Blue Jays have been players in the race for some top-tier free agents in the last few years, but they never seemed to match up in discussions. Some elite names Toronto missed out on recently include Shohei Ohtani and Corbin Burnes. Canada's higher tax rate is notorious for boxing the Blue Jays out of free agent negotiations.
It seems the Jays are tired of being passed over, and they arguably overpaid Cease to make up for it. The seven-year, $210 million deal he signed wasn't easily going to be matched by another team — the Blue Jays' ownership group is one of the wealthiest in MLB, and that money is a drop in the bucket to them, but it's still a bold move. Tucker will demand even more money (maybe nearly twice as much), but Toronto seems committed to paying it.
Red Sox should learn from the Blue Jays' free agent successes — commitment to winning matters
Despite its power in contract discussions, money isn't everything to every player. The Dodgers have been snatching up top-tier free agents left and right since they went all-in on Ohtani — in other words: since they were put in the best position to win. The Blue Jays' World Series run has thrust them into the spotlight as top competitors, and it shows in players' reception to their offers in free agency.
Every player's ultimate goal is to win a ring or two before their time in the big leagues is up. Now that the Blue Jays appear closer to winning, more talented players will be willing to sign with them as their standing in the American League increases. Before 2025, Toronto lost its last three playoff berths in the Wild Card. It lost twice in a row in the ALCS in 2014-15, and was out of the playoffs for over 20 years after its back-to-back titles in 1993-94.
The Jays' signing of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a $500 million extension can't have hurt, either. Guerrero is one of the top slugging talents in the game, and Toronto's long-term commitment to him also reflects a commitment to build a winner around him.
The Red Sox have a similar infrastructure in place in Boston. Garrett Crochet, Roman Anthony, Brayan Bello and Ceddanne Rafaela are all signed for the next five to six years. The Sox need just a few more pieces from the free agent and trade markets to be in an excellent position to win.
Tucker is not among the Red Sox's list of needs, as their outfield is jam-packed as it is. But the Blue Jays signing so many high-profile free agents will be problematic for a Boston team that has to face them for four series per year. The Red Sox have the money to be as aggressive as the Jays have been, and they're on their way back to being regarded as winners in the AL East. But before they get there, they need to make the right additions this offseason, no matter the cost.