The 2024 season for the Toronto Blue Jays concluded with a disappointing 74-88 record. This outcome left many fans with a sense of unease heading into the new year . This outcome has amplified the pressure on the team to demonstrate significant improvement in 2025. Several pivotal questions loom as the season approaches. Can the Blue Jays truly contend for a playoff spot? They face a fiercely competitive American League East. What impact will the significant roster changes made during the offseason have? The answers to these questions will define the team’s success in the upcoming year. They may also shape its long-term future. This is particularly true with key players entering crucial contract situations .  

Unpacking the Projected Roster: Lineup and Rotation Analysis

Examining the Potential Lineup: Key Hitters and Their Roles

Recent projections suggest Bo Bichette will play shortstop in the Blue Jays’ starting lineup for the 2025 season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is expected to be at first base. Anthony Santander will be in right field. George Springer will play in left field. Daulton Varsho is set for center field. Andrés Giménez will be at second base. Alejandro Kirk will be behind the plate. Will Wagner is named as the designated hitter. Ernie Clement will be at third base. However, some variations exist. Potential scenarios include Nathan Lukes in center field. Joey Loperfido could be in left field, depending on performance and health . The leadoff spot, typically held by Springer, could also be in question if his performance continues to decline .  

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains the undisputed offensive cornerstone for the Blue Jays. His exceptional 2024 season saw him achieve a .323 batting average with 30 home runs, 103 RBIs, and a .940 OPS. This consistent high level of production underscores his crucial role as the team’s offensive engine. Any deviation from this standard could significantly impact the Blue Jays’ ability to score runs. Shortstop Bo Bichette endured an injury-shortened 2024 season where his production suffered, resulting in a .225 average with only four home runs and 31 RBIs in 81 games . However, his track record of leading the American League in hits in both 2021 and 2022 shows his potential. He could achieve a significant offensive resurgence if he can remain healthy.  

A significant addition to the lineup is Anthony Santander, signed to a five-year contract. His powerful bat produced 44 home runs for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024. It is expected to provide much-needed power and protection in the batting order. This is particularly relevant when hitting behind Guerrero Jr.. Veteran outfielder George Springer is a key member of the team. However, he has shown signs of slowing down. This raises questions about his optimal placement in the lineup. There are concerns particularly about his traditional leadoff role . Daulton Varsho’s role in center field is somewhat contingent on his recovery from right shoulder surgery. While his defensive capabilities are highly valued, he might need to DH early in the season. This could affect the outfield configuration.  

The acquisition of Andrés Giménez is primarily lauded for his exceptional defensive skills at second base. This trait is highly valued by the Blue Jays’ front office . While his defensive prowess is undeniable, his offensive output in 2024, a .252 average with nine home runs and 63 RBIs , suggests a potential area for improvement. Alejandro Kirk is projected to be the primary catcher. His offensive performance will be crucial for the team. His defensive performance will also be crucial for the team. Will Wagner is considered an up-and-coming bat. He is expected to see regular at-bats. He will likely bat in the middle of the order. Wagner provides a left-handed hitting option. Ernie Clement, a Gold Glove finalist at third base in 2024, offers defensive stability and versatility to the infield.  

Manager John Schneider might also employ platoon situations to optimize matchups. Joey Loperfido is a potential candidate for outfield platoons. He leverages his strengths against right-handed pitching. Myles Straw is strong against left-handed pitching. This strategic flexibility could be a valuable tool for maximizing offensive production throughout the season.  

Analyzing the Starting Pitching Staff: Strengths and Question Marks

The Blue Jays’ projected starting rotation for 2025 includes established veterans and emerging talent. The rotation features José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, and Bowden Francis. This group presents a mix of durability, strikeout potential, and experience.

José Berríos has proven to be a reliable mid-rotation presence. His 16-11 record in 32 starts in 2024 demonstrates this. His ability to consistently take the mound every fifth day provides valuable stability to the pitching staff. Kevin Gausman demonstrates frontline potential. He showcases his strikeout prowess with 162 strikeouts in 31 starts in 2024. He also holds a 14-11 record. His performance at the top of the rotation will be crucial for the Blue Jays’ success. Chris Bassitt, another veteran, is known for his ability to eat innings, having made 31 starts in 2024 . His consistent presence in the rotation provides further stability and experience.  

Max Scherzer is a future Hall of Famer with three Cy Young Awards. His addition brings significant pedigree to the Blue Jays’ rotation. However, he is 40 years old. He has a recent history of injuries, including a thumb issue during spring training. His impact remains somewhat uncertain. While his experience and track record are invaluable, his health will be a key factor to monitor throughout the season. Bowden Francis emerged as a surprising and potentially reliable fifth starter in 2024, logging a 3.30 ERA over 103.2 innings. His continued development and performance could solidify the back end of the rotation. The team also has pitching depth in players like Yariel Rodríguez, who could step into the rotation if needed.  

Bullpen Outlook: Key Relievers and Potential Impact

Jeff Hoffman is projected to be the closer for the Blue Jays’ bullpen in the 2025 season. Chad Green and Yimi García will serve as key setup men. The team also boasts several middle relief options, including Nick Sandlin, Brendon Little, and Zach Pop.  

Jeff Hoffman, an offseason acquisition, is expected to take on the crucial role of closer. His signing indicates the team’s commitment to finding a reliable option at the end of games. Chad Green, entering his final year of club control, provides valuable experience and setup capabilities in high-leverage situations. Yimi García returns to the Blue Jays, further strengthening the setup roles with his experience and track record. Nick Sandlin, acquired via trade, is expected to contribute in middle relief, adding depth to the bullpen.  

Jordan Romano’s departure marks a significant change in the bullpen. He was not tendered a contract. Romano subsequently signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Romano’s absence leaves a void in the closer role, which Hoffman will need to fill effectively. Other relievers like Brendon Little and Zach Pop are expected to provide additional depth and support throughout the season.  

Offseason Review: Key Acquisitions and Departures

Impact of New Additions: Santander, Scherzer, Giménez, and Others

The Toronto Blue Jays were active during the offseason. They made several key acquisitions to bolster their roster for the 2025 season. The signing of Anthony Santander to a five-year, $92.5 million contract represents a significant commitment to adding power to the lineup. Santander has a proven ability to hit home runs. This is evidenced by his 44 in 2024. His performance is expected to provide a substantial offensive boost. The Blue Jays also made a notable addition to their starting rotation by signing Max Scherzer to a one-year, $15.5 million deal. Scherzer’s age and recent injury history introduce an element of risk. However, his Hall of Fame pedigree is impressive. His potential for high-level pitching could be a game-changer for the team’s rotation. Beyond his on-field contributions, Scherzer is also seen as a valuable mentor for the younger pitchers on the staff.  

A key trade saw the Blue Jays acquire second baseman Andrés Giménez from the Cleveland Guardians , B3. Giménez, a Gold Glove-caliber defender, is expected to significantly upgrade the team’s infield defense. The Blue Jays also addressed their bullpen needs by signing Jeff Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million contract . Hoffman is projected to take over the closer role, providing a much-needed solution for the late innings. Outfield depth was also addressed with the acquisition of Myles Straw from the Guardians . Straw is known for his defensive capabilities and adds another option to the outfield mix. Additionally, the Blue Jays signed reliever Yimi García to a two-year contract worth $15 million. This ensures the return of a familiar and reliable arm to their bullpen. Another bullpen addition was Nick Sandlin. He was acquired in the trade with Cleveland. This move further bolsters the team’s relief pitching depth. 

Analyzing the Departures: Romano, Horwitz, and Their Replacements

The Blue Jays experienced some notable departures during the offseason. Closer Jordan Romano was non-tendered and subsequently signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies . Romano’s departure creates a significant void at the closer position, which the team hopes Jeff Hoffman will fill. Infielder Spencer Horwitz was traded to the Cleveland Guardians. Horwitz showed promise at times. However, his departure opens up opportunities for other infielders within the organization. They can step into potential roles. Several other players, primarily minor leaguers and former Blue Jays, also moved on to other organizations . These departures are part of the normal roster turnover that occurs each offseason.  

Coaching Staff Changes: New Dynamics in the Dugout

The Toronto Blue Jays have finalized their major league coaching staff for the 2025 season. They are introducing three new assistant coaches under manager John Schneider. David Popkins is the team’s new hitting coach. He replaces Guillermo Martinez, who was with the team for six seasons. If you ask me, that was six too long. David Popkins has a proven track record in developing offensive strategies. He excels at connecting with players. He is expected to bring a fresh and dynamic approach to the Blue Jays’ lineup. The 34-year-old Popkins comes over after three seasons as hitting coach for the Minnesota Twins. He focuses on creative run-scoring. He also emphasizes individualized player development. These strategies aim to unlock the full potential of the Blue Jays’ hitters. This approach provides a much needed boost to the team’s offensive production. Lou Iannotti has been appointed as the assistant hitting coach. Iannotti brings seven years of experience within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He most recently served as a minor league hitting coordinator. His background with a successful organization like the Dodgers could introduce new approaches. These new methods may enhance hitting development within the Blue Jays. Graham Johnson joins the team as the new bullpen coach, replacing Jeff Ware. Johnson comes from the New York Yankees organization. He served as the pitching coach for their Triple-A affiliate, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, for the past three seasons. His experience in the Yankees’ system could bring fresh perspectives to the Blue Jays’ bullpen management and strategy. Sam Greene has been named the assistant pitching coach. Greene holds a master’s degree in Management in Analytics. He previously served as the Blue Jays’ senior pitching research specialist since 2021. His background in pitching analytics could help bridge the gap between data-driven insights and on-field coaching. The remainder of the major league coaching staff remains largely intact. This provides continuity in key roles. These roles include Don Mattingly as Bench Coach and Pete Walker as Pitching Coach.  

Key Storylines to Follow in 2025

The Contract Year Conundrum: Guerrero Jr. and Bichette’s Future

The Toronto Blue Jays have a significant storyline heading into the 2025 season. It revolves around the contract status of their two young stars, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Both players are entering the final year of their current contracts. This situation creates considerable uncertainty about their long-term future with the organization. This situation adds pressure for the team to perform well in 2025. It could also impact potential trade deadline decisions. This is especially true if extension talks do not progress favorably. Guerrero Jr. has expressed his desire to remain with the Blue Jays long-term. He even set a self-imposed deadline for extension talks. However, as of mid-February 2025, no deal had been reached. Similarly, Bichette, while a key offensive contributor in the past, also faces an uncertain future beyond the 2025 season. The team’s performance will likely dictate if they remain with the Blue Jays. The players’ willingness to sign extensions is another important factor. If the team struggles or if extension negotiations stall, trading either player, particularly Guerrero Jr. given his superstar status, could become a serious consideration as the trade deadline approaches.  

Prospect Watch: Which Young Talents Could Make an Impact?

The Blue Jays’ farm system is rich with promising young talents. They could potentially make an impact at the major league level in 2025. Orelvis Martinez is ranked among the team’s top prospects. He possesses significant power-hitting potential. He could see time at second or third base. Outfielder Alan Roden has impressed early in spring training. He is showcasing his offensive upside. He is on the verge of earning a roster spot. He might get a shot if Daulton Varsho goes on the IL. Will Wagner, who saw some major league action in 2024, is another infield prospect. He could contribute as a versatile bench player. He might even have a more regular role. On the pitching side, Jake Bloss is a prospect to watch. He has the potential to contribute to the major league staff. He could fill various roles throughout the season. Unfortunately, left-handed pitching prospect Ricky Tiedemann is undergoing Tommy John surgery. As a result, he is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 season. The team’s Spring Breakout roster provides a glimpse into the organization’s top young talent. It includes Arjun Nimmala and Trey Yesavage. However, their major league arrival might be further down the road. Developing these prospects is crucial for the Toronto Blue Jays. Their contributions will impact both short-term success and the team’s long-term future.  

Positional Battles and Player Development

As spring training unfolds, several positional battles are worth monitoring. The backup catcher role behind Alejandro Kirk appears to be a competition between Tyler Heineman and Christian Bethancourt . Heineman currently has the edge, but the situation remains fluid. At third base, Ernie Clement is the projected starter. Addison Barger has had a strong spring. He is potentially challenging for playing time . Beyond positional battles, the development of certain players will be key. Daulton Varsho is a Gold Glove-caliber defender. He needs to find more consistency offensively. This will maximize his value to the team . George Springer’s performance will also be closely watched. He enters his age-35 season. It will be interesting to see if he can maintain a productive role in the lineup .  

Injury Concerns and Potential Comebacks

The health of key players will undoubtedly play a significant role in the Blue Jays’ 2025 season. Daulton Varsho is currently working his way back from right shoulder surgery performed in the offseason. He is reportedly ahead of schedule. However, his readiness for Opening Day is still uncertain, particularly his throwing ability. Max Scherzer also entered spring training with a thumb issue. This raised concerns about his availability at the start of the season. Bo Bichette’s injury history will also be a point of attention. He had issues in 2024. The team hopes he can remain healthy and productive throughout the year. These players need to stay on the field for the Blue Jays. This will be crucial for them to achieve their potential in 2025.  

Expert Predictions and Season Outlook

Win Total Projections and Playoff Aspirations

Expert predictions for the Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 season paint a picture of a team hovering around the .500 mark with a chance to contend for a wild card spot. Win total projections vary, with some placing the over/under around 78.5 wins and others, like PECOTA, projecting as many as 85 wins. Their odds of making the playoffs also reflect this uncertainty, with odds ranging from +240 to +285. These projections suggest that the Blue Jays have made efforts to improve. However, their path to the postseason is not guaranteed. Success will likely depend on the performance of key players. It will also hinge on how they fare in a competitive American League.  

American League East Division Analysis: Competition and Challenges

The American League East remains a highly challenging division in baseball. It features strong contenders like the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Boston Red Sox. Expert analysis indicates that the Blue Jays face a tough road to winning the division. Odds place them as longshots at +1100. Some even suggest +1300. The Blue Jays need to outperform expectations because of their rivals’ strength. This performance is necessary to secure a top spot in the AL East. Their most realistic path to the playoffs appears to be through a wild card berth. They will face stiff competition from other teams in the American League. 

Overall Expectations and Potential for the Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have made notable moves during the offseason to address key areas of need. The addition of Anthony Santander brings much-needed power to the lineup. The acquisition of Andrés Giménez should significantly improve the infield defense. The starting rotation boasts a solid mix of veterans, and the emergence of Bowden Francis provides valuable depth. However, several question marks remain. The team’s offensive consistency beyond Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is still a concern. The age and health of key veterans like Max Scherzer and George Springer add an element of uncertainty. The bullpen, while bolstered by new additions, will need to find stability in the post-Jordan Romano era. Overall, the Blue Jays have potential. They can become a competitive team in 2025. Their success will rely on addressing these question marks. The team needs to find consistent performance from their key players.

Conclusion: What to Expect from the 2025 Toronto Blue Jays

The 2025 season promises to be a pivotal one for the Toronto Blue Jays. Key players are entering contract years. The team has a mix of new additions and returning veterans. They aim to improve upon their disappointing 2024 campaign. While the American League East presents a formidable challenge, the Blue Jays have made strategic moves to strengthen their roster. The performance of their star players will be crucial. The impact of their new acquisitions also plays a critical role. Additionally, the emergence of young talent is essential in determining their success. As the season unfolds, the storylines surrounding Guerrero Jr. Bichette’s future is uncertain. How their prospects develop is important. The team’s ability to compete in a tough division is another narrative to watch. While expert predictions suggest a season around the .500 mark with a potential wild card opportunity, the Blue Jays have higher goals. They will undoubtedly strive to exceed these expectations. Their aim is to make a deep run into the postseason.

Projected Starting Lineup

Position	Player Name
SS	Bo Bichette
1B	Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
RF	Anthony Santander
LF	George Springer
CF	Daulton Varsho
2B	Andrés Giménez
C	Alejandro Kirk
DH	Will Wagner
3B	Ernie Clement

Projected Starting Rotation

Rotation Order	Player Name
1	José Berríos
2	Kevin Gausman
3	Chris Bassitt
4	Max Scherzer
5	Bowden Francis

Key Offseason Acquisitions and Departures

Player Name	Transaction Type	Former/New Team	Contract Details (if significant)
Anthony Santander	Acquisition	Baltimore Orioles	Five years, $92.5 million
Max Scherzer	Acquisition	Texas Rangers	One year, $15.5 million
Andrés Giménez	Acquisition	Cleveland Guardians	Trade
Jeff Hoffman	Acquisition	Philadelphia Phillies	Three years, $33 million
Myles Straw	Acquisition	Cleveland Guardians	Trade
Yimi García	Acquisition	Seattle Mariners	Two years, $15 million
Nick Sandlin	Acquisition	Cleveland Guardians	Trade
Jordan Romano	Departure	Philadelphia Phillies	One year, $8.5 million
Spencer Horwitz	Departure	Cleveland Guardians	Trade

Expert Win Total and Playoff Odds

Source	Win Total Projection	Playoff Odds
VSiN	Under 78.5	Yes +285 / No -360
BetMGM	Over/Under 79.5	+240
OddsShark	Over/Under 78.5	+280