Toronto Blue Jays appear to be at a crossroads

For a team hoping to rebound after a last-place finish in 2024, the Toronto Blue Jays have had a relatively quiet off-season.

TORONTO – For a team hoping to rebound after a last-place finish in 2024, the Toronto Blue Jays have had a relatively quiet off-season.

That will need to change in a significant way if Canada’s lone big-league club is going to improve in 2025.

First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the face of the franchise, still remains without a long-term contract. Two-time all-star shortstop Bo Bichette is also unsigned beyond this year.

The lack of extension news raises questions about whether the team expects to be a consistent contender in future seasons or if a retooling or rebuilding process might be on the horizon.

Decisions need to be made soon. The competitive window for this roster – at least as currently constructed – will not be open for much longer.

The pressure is squarely on Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins to deliver after a 74-88 campaign that followed wild-card series appearances in three of four years.

Forced to pivot after missing out on superstar Juan Soto, Atkins shifted into trade mode earlier this month by acquiring second baseman Andres Gimenez and reliever Nick Sandlin in a deal with the Cleveland Guardians.

Gimenez, who’s signed through 2029, was an all-star in 2022 and has won three straight Gold Glove Awards.