2025 Blue Jays Season Outlook: Are We Right to be Concerned?

The challenges faced by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 MLB season can be linked to several key factors:

Offensive Struggles

The Blue Jays' offense has been underwhelming. Only Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer have maintained an OPS+ above the league average of 100. The team's overall power numbers are lacking, ranking 29th in home runs, just ahead of the Kansas City Royals. This deficiency in power hitting has been a persistent issue over multiple seasons .BlueJaysNation

Underperformance of Key Acquisitions

Offseason additions Anthony Santander and Andrés Giménez have not met expectations. Santander, signed to a significant five-year deal, is batting .178 with a .314 slugging percentage and only four home runs. Giménez is also hitting below .200, contributing to the team's offensive woes .New York Post

Rotation Depth and Injuries

The starting rotation has faced challenges, notably with Max Scherzer's early-season injury. While veterans like José Berríos and Kevin Gausman have provided stability, the lack of depth has put pressure on the bullpen, leading to overuse and late-game struggles .

Bullpen Fatigue

The bullpen has been overworked due to short outings by starters and low offensive run support. This has resulted in relievers facing high-leverage situations frequently, leading to blown leads in recent games .TSN

Ineffective Lineup Adjustments

Attempts to revitalize the offense through lineup changes have not yielded positive results. Despite shuffling the batting order, the team's performance has continued to decline, as reflected in their drop from No. 19 to No. 22 in The Athletic's power rankings .SI

What do they need to do?

1. Jumpstart the Offense

• Key Actions:

  • Reevaluate hitting philosophy—potentially overhaul approach to launch angle and plate discipline.

  • Consider calling up top-hitting prospects from Triple-A if veterans continue to slump.

  • Move underperforming hitters like Santander and Giménez down in the lineup to reduce pressure.

• Why: They're near the bottom in power stats and run production; the current roster isn't producing as expected.

2. Solidify the Rotation

• Key Actions:

  • Monitor Max Scherzer’s rehab closely and reintegrate him effectively.

  • Explore trade market for a mid-rotation starter to ease pressure on bullpen.

• Why: Starting pitchers are not consistently going deep into games, exhausting the bullpen.

3. Reinforce the Bullpen

• Key Actions:

  • Reduce overuse by getting more innings from starters.

  • Promote or trade for at least one reliable late-inning reliever.

• Why: Relievers are burning out and blowing leads due to overuse.

4. Bench or Trade Underperformers

• Key Actions:

  • Be decisive with veterans who aren’t producing—consider benching or offloading them if performance doesn’t improve soon.

• Why: Continuing to give at-bats to players well below the Mendoza line is hurting the team’s competitiveness.

5. Better In-Game Strategy

• Key Actions:

  • Improve situational hitting (e.g., runners in scoring position).

  • Make smarter pinch-hitting and bullpen matchup decisions.

• Why: A few better-managed close games could flip the momentum and help regain confidence.

6. Leadership & Clubhouse Morale

• Key Actions:

  • Veterans and coaching staff need to rally the team mentally and emotionally.

  • Focus on short-term wins to build momentum.

• Why: Morale appears low, and team chemistry might be faltering due to slow start.

Potential Trade Targets?

Power Bats to Boost the Lineup

1. Brent Rooker (DH/OF, Athletics)

   • Why He Fits: Rooker has emerged as a significant power threat, hitting 39 home runs with a .927 OPS in 2024. He's under team control through 2027, making him an attractive option for teams seeking long-term offensive production.

   • Availability: The Athletics are in a rebuilding phase and might be open to trading Rooker for the right package. MLB.com

     
     

2. Adolis García (OF, Rangers)

   • Why He Fits: Despite a down year in 2024, García has a track record of power hitting and could provide a spark to the Blue Jays' outfield. He's owed $9.25 million in 2025 and remains under team control through 2026.

   • Availability: The Rangers might consider trading García to address other roster needs. CBSSports.com

Starting Pitchers to Stabilize the Rotation

1. Framber Valdez (LHP, Astros)

   • Why He Fits: Valdez has been a reliable starter, posting a 2.91 ERA over 176.1 innings in 2024. His ability to induce ground balls could be beneficial in hitter-friendly parks like Rogers Centre.

   • Availability: While the Astros aren't actively shopping him, they might listen to offers, especially after trading Kyle Tucker. Bleacher Report

     
     

2. Sonny Gray (RHP, Cardinals)

   • Why He Fits: Gray continues to perform at a high level, with a 3.21 ERA and a career-best strikeout rate in 2025. His experience and consistency could bolster the Blue Jays' rotation.

   • Availability: If the Cardinals fall out of contention, they might consider trading Gray to manage payroll and acquire younger talent. Bleacher Report

     
     

Bullpen Arms to Fortify the Late Innings

1. Ryan Helsley (RHP, Cardinals)

   • Why He Fits: Helsley is a high-velocity closer, throwing 100 mph and incorporating a sharp curveball. As he approaches free agency, he could be a valuable addition to any bullpen.

   • Availability: The Cardinals might trade Helsley at the deadline to maximize his value before he hits free agency. New York Post

     
     

By pursuing these players, the Blue Jays can address their current shortcomings and position themselves for a stronger second half of the season. If you'd like, I can provide a more detailed analysis of how these players would fit into the team's roster and potential trade packages to acquire them.