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6d ago

Analysts Link Blue Jays to Framber Valdez, Brandon Woodruff as Offseason Rotation Decisions Loom

Projections cite looming vacancies plus spending power as reasons Toronto could chase a frontline arm.

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 14: Ross Atkins, general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, speaks during a press conference before Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signs a 14-year contract extension at Rogers Centre on April 14, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 1: Kevin Gausman #34 of Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch to the Athletics in a general view of the stadium under the CN Tower as the dome opens during the third inning in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on June 1, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Framber Valdez #59 of the Houston Astros pitches in the third inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 1: Max Scherzer #31 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning in their MLB game at Rogers Centre on August 1, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Three starters — Shane Bieber, Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer — are positioned to reach free agency after the season, raising rotation questions for 2026.
  • Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Roberts predicts Toronto as a landing spot for Astros lefty Framber Valdez, whose market faces scrutiny after a cross-up with catcher Cesar Salazar and a Spotrac projection near $203 million.
  • Roberts also forecasts interest in Brandon Woodruff as a potential Bieber replacement, noting Milwaukee’s $20 million mutual option is rarely exercised and the right-hander has rebounded well.
  • FanSided’s Edward Eng projects the Blue Jays to prioritize a longer-term commitment to Bieber and move on from Scherzer given recent injuries and performance concerns.
  • The Sporting News highlights Toronto’s payroll capacity and Valdez’s strong 2025 form, while separate reporting tags the Mets as another plausible bidder for the top free-agent starter.