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The Toronto Blue Jays are laser-focused on the World Series, but the rest of us can afford a brief look ahead. After what they hope is their first championship season in 32 years, the Blue Jays will be in an interesting spot heading into free agency. Starting pitchers Chris Bassitt, Shane Bieber, and Max Scherzer will all hit free agency, leaving the rotation in need of reinforcements. As they’ve shown over the past few offseasons, the Blue Jays are happy to ramp up the payroll when they think they have a shot to contend. That could very well lead to the pursuit of some of the top arms on the open market this winter. But which arms should they pursue? DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JUNE 26: A detail view of the Philadelphia Phillies logo on a hat and a Rawlings glove in the dugout prior to the start of the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 26, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. On Saturday, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer named the Blue Jays as the best fit for Philadelphia Phillies All-Star left-hander Ranger Suárez, who many would consider to be the top southpaw available for teams to sign this offseason. “(Suárez) was in the 76th percentile with his ground-ball rate this year, yet it was for a Phillies team that allowed the 10th-highest average on ground balls,” Rymer wrote. “Out of their primary infielders, only Trea Turner was above-average for Defensive Runs Saved. “Having Suárez as a No. 3 behind Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage would give the Blue Jays an embarrassment of riches on paper, and the fit would be dandy on the field, too. Rogers Centre is more neutral than Citizens Bank Park, and losing Bo Bichette to free agency would be addition by subtraction for Toronto’s infield defense.” Rymer’s theory is that Suárez could reach a new level in a Blue Jays uniform, which would have the potential to make Toronto an even scarier team next season — as if 94 wins and a World Series berth wasn’t enough reason for optimism about the team’s future. Suárez doesn’t come without question marks, but entering his age-30 season, he’s a relatively safe bet on a five- or six-year contract compared to many of the other available options. More MLB: Blue Jays’ John Schneider Delivers Bold Statement on Beatdown of Dodgers
