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By Patrick McAvoy
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Toronto Blue Jays were as close as you could possibly be without winning a World Series in 2025.
Toronto pushed the Los Angeles Dodgers to Game 7 and was a few outs away from winning the whole thing, but the game flipped on its head and now the Dodgers are the two-time reigning World Series champions. It's unfortunate for the Blue Jays, but they showed that this core can contend and is worth continued investment.
The fact that Shane Bieber opted in for the 2026 season came as somewhat of a surprise and a discount. But, the Blue Jays could use more and The Athletic's Chad Jennings, Aaron Gleeman, and Tim Britton listed Toronto among the top fits for Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez.
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"Valdez is an old-school sinkerballer in a strikeout-fueled era, keeping the ball on the ground and out of the seats as well as any starter in baseball," Gleeman said. "Of the 78 pitchers with at least 500 innings over the past five seasons, Valdez ranks No. 1 in groundball rate and No. 3 in homer rate.
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"And he’s not exactly pitching to contact with 875 strikeouts in 902 1/3 innings during that time thanks mostly to a standout curveball. Strikeouts and grounders are the ideal combo, which is how Valdez has posted a sub-3.70 ERA in six straight seasons. ... Britton’s projection: 7 years, $196 million. Best fits: (Baltimore Orioles), (Boston Red Sox), (Toronto Blue Jays)."
Valdez arguably is the top pitcher heading to free agency this winter. Landing him would obviously be a big get. He has a career 3.36 ERA in eight seasons with the Astros. The Blue Jays have shown over the last few years that they aren't afraid to go after expensive free agents. Toronto heavily pursued Shohei Ohtani and even was linked to Juan Soto at times last offseason as well among many others.
Now, the Blue Jays enter free agency after almost winning the World Series. That should make them an even more attractive landing spot. Free agency is now open and there will be speculation all over the place, but this is type of move Toronto should absolutely consider.
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