Former MLB GM 'loved' Blue Jays' roster moves this offseason

The Toronto Blue Jays made the World Series and were so close to winning the entire thing. After getting so close, the Blue Jays aren't satisfied; they're spending a lot to get back there this offseason.

While Bo Bichette is gone, the additions of Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Kazuma Okamoto, and Tyler Rogers have helped make the Blue Jays' 2026 roster a strong one once again.

For former MLB general manager Jim Bowden of The Athletic, this offseason from the Blue Jays was one that he "loved." While he has questions about the lineup, the Blue Jays' pitching staff roster moves drew rave reviews from Bowden.

Blue Jays get high praise from ex-MLB GM on roster moves

"The AL champions landed arguably the best starting pitcher on the open market in Dylan Cease," Bowden writes, "... I loved the gamble the Blue Jays took on Cody Ponce, who among free-agent pitchers has a chance to be this offseason's best value signing."

Bowden believes the Blue Jays signed the best starting pitcher on the market and the best value starting pitcher on the market this offseason in Cease and Ponce.

While Ponce's signing is a bit riskier due to the unknown of his return to MLB, Cease, who is the only pitcher in MLB over the last five seasons to start 30 games, pitch at least 200 innings, and record at least 200 strikeouts.

He might not have the high ceiling of a Cy Young candidate like Tarik Skubal or Paul Skenes, but Cease is one of the more consistent starters in the Major Leagues.

More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency

But that's not the only pitcher he liked that the Blue Jays picked up. "I also liked the pickup of Tyler Rogers, who gives their bullpen another reliever with a different look thanks to his submarine delivery."

Rogers, Cease, and Ponce all have their benefits, and Bowden seems to like all three. The fact that the Blue Jays landed all of them is a great sign for the team moving forward.

While he might have questions over how Okamoto transitions to the Major Leagues and how the Blue Jays fare offensively without Bichette, the overall offseason was a resounding positive.

He gave the Blue Jays an "A" grade for their roster moves, and it's incredibly deserved for how great the team looks going into the future. And it's thanks in large part to the additions of Ponce, Rogers, and Cease, all of which Bowden loved.

More MLB news:

• Pirates' stance on trading Paul Skenes called into question by The Athletic
• Red Sox busy offseason now includes a whopping 9 trades
• Mets face 2 key questions after offseason of change
• Reds reunite with 49-homer slugger at major discount with $15 million free agent news
• Red Sox make big $15 million mistake with Eugenio Suarez Reds news
• Yankees reveal plans for power prospect Spencer Jones
• Orioles trade for 23-year old third baseman from AL foe