The Toronto Blue Jays have several core players hitting free agency after the 2026 season. Their second-best hitter and most of the rotation could walk at the end of the season.
While the Jays have Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Dylan Cease, and Alejandro Kirk tied down to long-term contracts, they could have major holes to fill.
Who Are the Blue Jays’ Free Agents Next Season?
George Springer, Designated Hitter
George Springer’s six-year contract comes to an end at the end of this campaign. Springer had a career year at the plate in 2025, posting a 161 OPS+ and had several big moments in the postseason.
Limited defensively and into the second half of his 30s, it’ll be interesting to see what Springer is able to command as a free agent if he has another big year offensively.
Kevin Gausman, Starting Pitcher
Losing Kevin Gausman will inevitably have an impact on the Blue Jays World Series odds at the BetMGM sportsbook. The right-hander has been an immensely reliable pitcher across his four years with the Jays.
Gausman received Cy Young votes in his first two years as a Jay. He had a 113 ERA+ across 371 innings over the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Yimi García, Relief Pitcher
After pitching at an elite level in 2024, Yimi García regressed in 2025. The veteran posted a 4.77 xERA out of the bullpen and walked 13.3% of the hitters he faced.
García underwent season-ending surgery in 2025 and won’t be ready for opening day of the 2026 season.
Max Scherzer, Starting Pitcher
Future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer re-signed with the Jays in free agency. Scherzer’s base salary for 2026 is only $3 million, but he receives $1 million bonuses for various innings-pitched landmarks.
It doesn’t look like the 41-year-old will be in Toronto’s rotation to start the year, but he’s a useful depth piece.
Shane Bieber, Starting Pitcher
Shane Bieber took his $16 million player option to remain a Jay for the 2026 season. Bieber returned from injury to make seven regular-season starts last year, but has been dealing with forearm inflammation and will miss opening day.
A 92 stuff+ was concerning, despite Bieber’s good results in a small sample. His underlying metrics weren’t promising for 2026.
Daulton Varsho, Outfielder
A Gold Glove-calibre defender in centre field, Daulton Varsho also has plenty of power, as shown by his 15.9% barrel rate in 2025. The 2026 season will be Varsho’s age-30 campaign, so teams might be wary about handing him a long-term deal.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jays tried to agree to a two- or three-year extension with their everyday centre fielder.
Eric Lauer, Starting Pitcher
Eric Lauer is a long way from being a Cy Young favourite in the latest baseball odds, but he played an important role for the Jays in 2025.
The left-hander had a career year with a 134 ERA+ across 15 starts and 13 relief appearances. His versatility, whether in the rotation or out of the bullpen, is very useful.
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