The Toronto Blue Jays have repeatedly failed to sign free agents.
However, once the final wave of free agency begins, they could sign an outstanding reliever from one of their competitors.
While outlining potential landing spots for remaining relief relievers, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer suggested the Blue Jays might be an ideal fit for Kenley Jansen.
“The fit is almost too perfect,” Rymer wrote. In 2024, Toronto’s bullpen ranked dead-last with minus-3.9 rWAR. Newcomers Yimi García and Nick Sandlin did not significantly improve the situation. Chad Green, for his part, should only serve as a stopgap closer. Jansen has the bona fides for the gig, and it’s not a small bonus that he has spent the last two years in the American League East. He knows the landscape.”
Jansen is a four-time All-Star, two-time Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year, and World Series winner. Spotrac expects him to sign a two-year, $29 million contract in free agency. Jansen has a 3.29 ERA in 54 appearances last season. He recorded 27 saves and was an All-Star as recently as 2023. He can still be an asset to any bullpen.
“A career total of 447 saves can attest to that, and his trademark cutter still rates as one of the best in the game,” Rymer said. “Opposing batters hit just .215 against it last year.”
Jansen may finally break the ice for the Blue Jays in free agency. They missed out on Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, and countless more. However, acquiring Jansen could be a wise decision for them. Stealing him away from the Boston Red Sox would be a plus.
