"The Toronto Blue Jays are doing all the right things after a stirring season that left them on the doorstep of a World Series title. They are signing free agents and approaching the winter with a mindset that they won't be bridesmaids anymore. Having said that, the Blue Jays don't exist in a vacuum by themselves. They compete in a division and league with multiple clubs trying to do the same thing as them. One of their rivals has made a few sneaky additions that could pester the Blue Jays in the coming years."
"The Baltimore Orioles are potentially a sleeping giant in the AL East next season. They have significantly raised their payroll and their recent postseason appearances should lead to further roster additions. Exactly one year after their pitching staff buckled under the weight of injuries and under-performance, they are now bringing in one of the top free agent relief arms. Closer Ryan Helsley and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a two-year contract with an opt-out after the first season, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Helsley, who fielded interest from teams to convert to a starter, will be the ninth-inning option for Baltimore. Ryan Helsley is one of those pitchers who pitched so poorly at the end of 2025 that it makes you think he is a bad pitcher. The Blue Jays certainly had their eyes on this guy and are known to be casting a wide net in search of bullpen upgrades. On the contrary, the two-time All-Star is actually one of the better relievers in baseball over the past few years who simply had a bad few weeks."
The Toronto Blue Jays followed a stirring season by signing free agents and approaching the offseason determined to contend for a championship. The Blue Jays face divisional competition from clubs also upgrading rosters. The Baltimore Orioles boosted payroll and are adding impact pieces after recent postseason trips. Baltimore agreed to a two-year deal with Ryan Helsley that includes a first-year opt-out pending a physical, and plans to use him as its ninth-inning option. Helsley endured a poor late-2025 stretch but remains a two-time All-Star and a proven high-end reliever across recent seasons.
Read at Jays Journal
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]