Blue Jays Targeting High-Leverage Relievers

"The bullpen is one thing on their list and it's a sensible one. The Jays had a middling relief group in 2025. Toronto relievers had a collective 3.98 earned run average, which was 16th out of the 30 big league clubs. Closer Jeff Hoffman had a 4.37 ERA for the year. He dominated through most of the playoffs but then surrendered the big Miguel Rojas home run when the Jays were two outs away from a title."

"Last week, general manager Ross Atkins said that Hoffman would be open to moving to a different role if the Jays found another closer. The Jays are considering that. Díaz is one of the best closers in the game today. He already has 253 saves under his belt. He just wrapped up a season in which he had 1.63 ERA, 38% strikeout rate, 8% walk rate and 48.4% ground ball rate."

The Blue Jays are targeting high-leverage relievers this offseason and have met with representatives of Edwin Díaz while showing interest in Ryan Helsley and Pete Fairbanks. Toronto has been connected to a wide range of bullpen pursuits early in the offseason. The Blue Jays’ relief corps posted a 3.98 ERA in 2025, ranking 16th among 30 teams. Closer Jeff Hoffman had a 4.37 ERA and surrendered a decisive Miguel Rojas home run near the end of the season. General manager Ross Atkins said Hoffman would accept a different role if the team acquires another closer. Díaz has 253 saves and finished the season with a 1.63 ERA, 38% strikeout rate, 8% walk rate, and a 48.4% ground ball rate after opting out of a five-year, $102 million deal.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors