The Toronto Blue Jays have been big spenders in free agency over the years, and after missing the playoffs in 2026, they’re expected to be even more aggressive to improve their team in the offseason. Toronto finished dead last in MLB in runs scored this past season, which is great news for upcoming Chicago Cubs free agent Seiya Suzuki, who will be one of the top bats available next month.
Suzuki is already getting from the Blue Jays, who made their interest in the right-handed hitting outfielder known before the playoffs even began last week.
Via The Athletic.
This offseason, said a league source who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss offseason plans, the Jays are expected to pursue Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki. His 26 homers would’ve ranked second on the Jays this year and his .841 OPS would’ve led all qualified Jays by nearly 80 points.
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
There was a major power outage in Toronto in 2026, as the Blue Jays averaged only four runs per game and finished last in MLB with 152 home runs.
Suzuki signed a five-year, $85 million contract with the Cubs heading into the 2022 season, and although his first MLB season fell short of expectations, the Japanese star has established himself as a top-20 hitter in baseball over the past four years. He’s averaged 25 home runs per season since 2023, including a career-high 32 in 2025. He has a career .828 OPS and is coming off another stellar campaign, posting a .270/.368/.473 slash line. His 134 wRC+ ranked second-best among the Cubs, who finished as MLB’s top-scoring team.
Among all right fielders, Suzuki finished the 2026 season second-best with a 4.6 fWAR as he improved his defense and raised his value.
The Blue Jays have certainly earned a reputation as serious contenders for top free agents over the past 6-7 years. This list doesn’t even include the $500 million extension for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or the $131 million extension agreed to with pitcher Jose Berrios in 2021.
Blue Jays Free Agent Spending (2019-2026
Hyun-Jin Ryu (LHP): 4 years, $80 million (signed December 2019).
George Springer (OF): 6 years, $150 million (signed 2021).
Kevin Gausman (RHP): 5 years, $110 million (signed late 2021).
Chris Bassitt (RHP): 3 years, $63 million (signed December 2022).
Anthony Santander (OF/DH): 5 years, $92.5 million (signed January 2025).
Dylan Cease (RHP): 7 years, $210 million (signed November/December 2025).
Kazuma Okamoto (3B/OF): 4 years, $60 million (signed January 2026; plus ~$10.9 million posting fee).
They were in on the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, and they seem to be always linked to the top of the free-agent market.
The Cubs will place the qualifying offer on Suzuki, meaning any team that signs him to a free-agent contract will lose a draft pick and signing bonus money for international free-agent spending, while the Cubs would gain a comp pick in next year’s draft.
So, why would the Cubs just let Suzuki walk despite being one of the team’s most consistent producers at the plate? Well, the organization has dug itself into a deep hole in the pitching department and is expected to focus heavily on upgrading its pitching staff, which leaves little room to spend on a guy like Suzuki, who could command a deal worth upwards of $100 million.
