MLB Offseason Heats Up: Blue Jays and Dodgers Emerge as Top Contenders
The 2025-26 MLB offseason is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers emerging as top contenders. According to many agents, executives, and managers at the annual winter meetings, the Blue Jays are willing and able to give outfielder Kyle Tucker the $400 million he seeks in free agency. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are considered the top team capable of trading for and extending Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.
The Blue Jays have already made a significant move, signing Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract, and are poised to hand out another nine-figure deal in their pursuit of a bat. The Dodgers, on the other hand, have signed the most decorated closer in free agency, agreeing to terms on a three-year, $69 million deal with Edwin Diaz. With their vast resources, the Dodgers are expected to make a big splash in the offseason, whether it’s through free agency or trade.
Financial Flexibility
The Blue Jays and Dodgers have the financial flexibility to make big moves, thanks to their lucrative local-media contracts. The Blue Jays are backed by Rogers Communications, one of Canada’s largest media conglomerates, while the Dodgers have a vast revenue stream generated by Shohei Ohtani. This financial flexibility allows them to pursue top free agents and make significant trades, setting them apart from other teams that are operating under tighter budgets.
The Chicago Cubs, for example, need an assortment of pitching but are wary of the luxury-tax threshold. The Houston Astros, meanwhile, desperately need to replace free agent Framber Valdez in the rotation but will likely have to do so via trade. The San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers are looking to cut costs, while the San Francisco Giants are expected to act conservatively. The Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and New York Mets could all sign major free agent position players, but they’ve been operating in more budget-conscious ways than their fans are used to.
Free Agent Market
The free agent pool is defined more by its depth than its star power, which may be a factor in the cautious approach of some teams. However, two agents who spoke to ESPN said that some teams are not acting aggressively in free agency due to labor issues that could lead to a lockout next December and alter the economics of the sport significantly. The continued deterioration of local TV deals is also a major factor, according to league and team sources.
Despite these concerns, the Blue Jays and Dodgers appear to be operating outside of these constraints. The Dodgers, in particular, have been aggressive in their pursuit of top talent, signing Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal and rewarding Díaz with the highest average annual value ever for a reliever. As Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said, “We are in a really strong position right now, financially, and our ownership group has been incredibly supportive of pouring that back into our team and that partnership with our fans.”
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Blue Jays’ Attractiveness
The Blue Jays have become an attractive destination for free agents, thanks to their state-of-the-art facilities, passionate fans, and competitive team. As manager John Schneider said, “You’re on Zoom calls with high-profile players that are speaking very, very highly of the organization, the facilities, the players that are on the team and how they conduct themselves.” The Blue Jays’ march to the World Series has made them a legitimate landing spot for players who want to win, and their money is finally making a difference.
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The Blue Jays’ attractiveness extends beyond their facilities and team. Their popularity with players, Canada’s fervor for the team, and their financial resources make them a top destination for free agents. As one agent said, “It’s sick.” The Blue Jays’ spring training complex in Dunedin, Florida, is a major draw, and their weight room in Toronto is state-of-the-art. With their money and resources, the Blue Jays are expected to make a big splash in the offseason, whether it’s through free agency or trade.
