One thing that was on the Toronto Blue Jays' mind going into the offseason was the starting pitching market. They needed to bring in a few frontline starters, and that is just what they did.
Shane Bieber exercised his player option for 2026, making it one less person to worry about. He was great this past season in Toronto and is looking to do more of the same while staying healthy and putting to rest the forearm fatigue he experienced in 2025.
Additionally, they reached an agreement with Dylan Cease. The two sides agreed on a seven-year, $210 million deal, but that was not all.
Toronto also went out and signed Cody Ponce to a three-year deal, helping bolster the rotation. Those three alone could combine for a great one-two-three punch.
Blue Jays likely out on Framber Valdez after latest rotation moves
With the latest moves the Blue Jays have made to bolster their rotation, they should be all set for the 2026 season. ESPN's David Schoenfield believes they have no need to add another starter, putting them out of the Framber Valdez market.
"With Bieber exercising his player option and then the Jays signing Cease and Ponce, the rotation looks settled for 2026."
Instead, Schoenfield believes the most likely suitor for Valdez will be the Chicago Cubs.
"The Cubs need a top-of-the-rotation starter, a guy they feel confident handing the ball to in a playoff game than they did with Matthew Boyd or Shota Imanaga. They also have the payroll flexibility to do it."
Toronto does not have a need to bring in a frontline starter, while Chicago does. The Cubs have a real need to find an ace to take control of the rotation for 2026 and beyond with Shota Imanaga on the open market.
More MLB news:
- Orioles urged to bolster rotation in a trade with the Marlins
- Athletics looking to lock down some of their younger talent
- Yankees viewed as the 'best fit' for three-time NPB All-Star
- Orioles deemed 'best fit' for former Yankees pitcher this offseason
- Veteran backstop tagged as the 'best fit' for the Phillies this offseason