Connect with us

Baseball

Blue Jays could sign $183 million All-Star instead of starting rebuild

The Toronto Blue Jays missed on Juan Soto this offseason. With Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. set to be free agents after next season, with seemingly no reason to stay, they should explore starting a rebuild. However, there seem to be no indications of such.

While listing potential landing spots for Corbin Burnes, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly noted that the Blue Jays could make a play for the four-time All-Star.

“One way to convince Guerrero to stay might be to sign another star to a long-term contract, and Burnes would fit that bill,” wrote Kelly. “He could headline Toronto’s rotation, which also includes Kevin Gausman, Bowden Francis, José Berríos and Chris Bassitt. That would be a very loaded rotation, perhaps so deep that the Blue Jays could move either Gausman or Bassitt for another piece(s) to help their roster in 2025.”

Burnes is a four-time All-Star and is the best-remaining pitcher on the market. With hopes of both reaching the postseason and convincing GUerrero to stay, signing Burnes could go a long way. Burnes is likely looking for a deal that exceeds the eight-year, $218 million deal that Max Fried signed with the New York Yankees.

Burnes won the National League Cy Young Award in 2021. He posted a 2.92 ERA in 2024 which was his best since his 2021 Cy Young Award season. He struck out 181 batters last season as well. Burnes would immediately take over as the ace on the Blue Jays staff. Spotrac projects Burnes to sign a six-year, $183 million deal in free agency. However, in reality, he could earn $200 million.

More MLB: Blue Jays trade proposal cuts ties with $33 million All-Star for a top prospect

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Must See

More in Baseball