After coming close to winning their first World Series in 32 years, the Toronto Blue Jays are now looking ahead to the off-season. Here are 10 key considerations for the team as they gear up for the 2026 season.
Bo Bichette, a standout player for the Blue Jays, has become a prominent figure in this year’s free-agent market. Despite transitioning from shortstop to second base due to a knee injury, Bichette remains a top performer in terms of hits, although his defensive skills are not as strong. At 27 years old, he is at his peak, and the Blue Jays face a significant decision on whether to invest in him, as he is expected to command a substantial contract.
Mark Shapiro, the team president, is approaching the end of his current contract and has expressed his desire to continue with the Blue Jays. Shapiro, who has been with the team since 2015, oversaw major projects such as renovations to Rogers Centre and the player development complex in Florida. Talks about extending his contract are likely to happen soon.
The return of Shane Bieber for the 2026 season is a major boost to the Blue Jays’ starting rotation. Bieber opted to exercise his player option, ensuring he will anchor a rotation that includes other talented pitchers like Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, and potentially Eric Lauer. While the team faces the departure of free agents Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt, they have options to bolster their pitching staff.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the face of the franchise, had an outstanding performance in the post-season, showcasing his hitting prowess with impressive numbers. With his massive contract extension set to kick in next year, Guerrero Jr. is expected to continue his stellar play and be a key player for the Blue Jays in the upcoming season.
The role of closer Jeff Hoffman is under scrutiny after a season of mixed results. Despite earning 33 saves, Hoffman struggled at times, notably allowing home runs. The Blue Jays may explore other options for the closing role, with Yimi Garcia being a potential candidate.
Rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage made a remarkable impact during the post-season, raising expectations for his future contributions to the team. His standout performance against the Dodgers in Game 5 highlighted his potential to be a key player in the Blue Jays’ rotation.
The Blue Jays garnered high viewership during the World Series, with Game 7 attracting a significant audience across Canada, the United States, and Japan. The team’s success in the Fall Classic generated considerable interest, making it one of the most-watched MLB games in years.
Anthony Santander, a key off-season signing for the Blue Jays, faced challenges in his first season with the team due to injuries and a decline in performance. Despite his struggles, Santander remains under contract for several more years, presenting the team with a decision on how to maximize his contribution.
Manager John Schneider’s leadership in guiding the Blue Jays to a division title has earned him a nomination for the American League manager of the year award. Schneider’s role in the team’s turnaround from a 74-win season to division champions is being recognized as a significant achievement.
Important dates for the Blue Jays include the start of their pre-season schedule on February 21 against the Philadelphia Phillies and the opening of the 2026 regular season on March 26 against the Athletics at Rogers Centre.