Blue Jays made MLB executives look like geniuses before Thanksgiving even started

"They may not have been the favorites in most categories but the Toronto Blue Jays sure made many MLB executives feel like they knew what they were talking about. A recent ESPN poll was sent around the league, asking for different executives to anonymously weigh in on some of the most burning questions that have popped up in the offseason."

"Just before the (USA) Thanksgiving holiday the Blue Jays sent shockwaves across both sides of the border, when it was reported that they had landed one of the biggest free agent pitchers on the market, by signing Dylan Cease to a multi-year contract. In the ESPN survey, the Blue Jays got the second most votes to do exactly that."

"The second question on the survey had to do with pitching. Executives were asked about the top three free agent pitchers and where would they end up. The Blue Jays were actually the favourites to land Framber Valdez, and the third most likely team to sign Ranger Suarez. The industry clearly sees the Blue Jays as a team that wanted to bulk up their rotation."

A recent ESPN poll of MLB executives saw many predict the Toronto Blue Jays would pursue at least one high-profile free agent pitcher. The Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease to a multi-year contract just before the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. Executives had favored the club to target Framber Valdez and considered the team a likely fit for Ranger Suarez, signaling a clear intent to bulk up the rotation. The current projected 2026 rotation includes Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber, with José Berrios and Eric Lauer also possible contributors depending on health and role needs.

Read at Jays Journal