Blue Jays Vow to Rival Los Angeles Dodgers Head-to-Head This Season

Toronto, Canada - The Toronto Blue Jays are once again setting their sights on making a major push in the American League East division this season, with team brass acknowledging that they missed out on the post-Ohtani disappointment last year.

After coming so close to signing Shohei Ohtani just last year only to have him opt for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Blue Jays are now more determined than ever to bring home a title. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette entering their final season under contract in 2025, there's immense pressure on the team to get some big deals done this year.

The Blue Jays' main priority will be addressing their offense woes, having finished dead last in American League East runs scored in 2024. The team needs to balance their lineup with both handedness and power hitters who can maintain base running, while also searching for relief pitching depth - including a closer.

Toronto's rotation, spearheaded by Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt, is still solid but should be considered an area of upgrade given the age of those starting pitchers. The recent non-tendering of Jordan Romano now means the team needs a new reliable closer to bolster their bullpen.

As for potential free agent signs, the Blue Jays are looking at major name Ryan Yarbrough atop the list.

In terms of trade targets, Guerrero is naturally on everyone's mind - but it seems unlikely that Toronto might want to let him go. If the team can acquire a key starter and make room they may consider moving Bassitt or Gausman as well.

With some exciting young prospects like Spencer Horwitz, Davis Schneider, Orelvis Martinez, Will Wagner, Leo Jiménez, and Addison Barger, there's definitely potential for shakeups around trade time - however these players are not thought to be the stars of this rotation at present.

A major point of contention is how Toronto figures in keeping their prized shortstop Guerrero under wraps; it seems only logical the big splash could come on a front-line signing but that would put pressure even more on acquiring and developing any remaining outfield targets as well

Whether Guerrero takes long-form contract extension with or from Blue Jays is one thing left which might not be known - so fans can hold their breath for 2025 season to find out what happens next.