Blue Jays predicted to swipe Yankees $45 million All-Star in free agency blockbuster

The Toronto Blue Jays know they're working against the clock when it comes to securing their long-term contender status.

First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette will be free agents at the end of the 2025 season, which means the Blue Jays could soon enter a rebuild if they don't successfully crawl out of the cellar after a dismal last-place season.

Adding more big bats around Guerrero and Bichette would seem to be imperative for the Blue Jays to have a shot in the American League East. Might they poach a slugger from one of the division's top teams?

Recently, Laura Albanese of Newsday predicted that the Blue Jays would land former New York Yankees All-Star second baseman Gleyber Torres, who is projected for a three-year, $45 million contract (The Athletic).

"The Yankees don't sound like they're hoping for a reunion, but there are certainly other teams who could use Torres' skillset," Albanese said.

"While it's true Torres suffered some mental gaffes both playing second base and on the base paths, he was still a valuable cog in the lineup, slashing .257/.330/.378. He should come relatively cheap, all things considered, and that’s plenty tantalizing to teams. He’s familiar with the AL East, so why not stay there?" 

Torres, 27, had a slight down year in 2024, finishing with a .709 OPS/101 OPS+. He was very good in 2023, though not quite the peak he had early in his career during the juiced ball years, with 25 home runs and a 118 OPS+.

Would acquiring Torres necessitate a trade of shortstop Bo Bichette? After all, the Blue Jays did just acquire Platinum Glove second baseman Andrés Giménez, who could shift over to shortstop.

If Toronto decides it's a better bet to save some money on Torres over Bichette and get prospects back for the latter, it would be understandable. But it would place a lot of pressure on Torres to produce in year one and maximize the Blue Jays' shot at keeping Guerrero.

More MLB: Yankees predicted to acquire $28 million Gold Glover to replace Gleyber Torres