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By Zach Pressnell
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Toronto Blue Jays went all the way to the World Series this season, but they came up short against the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games.
Now the Blue Jays head into free agency, and they have a few big decisions on their plate. Bo Bichette is a free agent, which is going to be the storyline of Toronto's offseason. But the front office also needs to add to the pitching staff in a big way, or they're doomed to fail again next year.
Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball recently predicted the Blue Jays would sign Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez to a five-year, $160 million deal in free agency this winter.
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"There was a stretch this past season where the Astros won 13 consecutive games started by Valdez. One of the best groundball pitchers in baseball, Valdez is an innings-eater who is invaluable for the regular season, who also has plenty of experience pitching well in October," Finkelstein wrote. "Considering the run the Blue Jays just went on, they should be looking at every possible way to add to their roster.
"With Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, and Shane Bieber all set to hit free agency, and Kevin Gausman entering the final year of his five-year, $110 million deal, the Blue Jays could use another frontline starter to headline their rotation."
The Blue Jays need to add a starting pitcher this winter. If they land Bichette on a huge deal, they might not be able to make a move like this contract with Valdez. If they land Bichette, they could be forced to pivot to a more affordable pitcher.
But if the Blue Jays whiff on Bichette, they could turn to Valdez as the headliner of their offseason. Adding the ace to the top of their pitching staff would help close the gap on teams like the Dodgers going into next season.
More MLB: Dodgers Lose All-Star, 6-Year Veteran To Free Agency After World Series Win
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