Bowden Francis, who missed 2026 recovering from Tommy John surgery, was spotted training with free-agent ace Tarik Skubal in Phoenix. It's no signing, but with Bieber and Scherzer hitting free agency, the Jays' rotation needs help. 👀
Blue Jays face real roster churn this winter, with several 30+ players hitting free agency. Shane Bieber headlines the reunion debate: an injury-filled 2026, a 4.37 ERA over 11 starts, and a career-worst walk rate make a return far from automatic. 🤔
Brandon Lowe is predicted to land with Toronto on a three-year, $69M deal, a projection that would push Ernie Clement into a utility role. Lowe hit 35 homers with a 121 wRC+ last season, so the power case is hardly speculative. 🔥
A CJ Abrams trade is only a rumor, but he could fix Toronto's middle infield, where shortstops posted a 78 wRC+ in 2026. The 26-year-old hit 33 homers with 34 steals, but the cost in thin-farm pitching and his defensive metrics are real hurdles. ⚾
Ex-Blue Jays righty Jacob Waguespack re-signed with the AL rival Detroit Tigers on a one-year, $1.3 million deal for 2027, with bonuses that could reach $1.5 million. The 32-year-old posted a 2.409 ERA over 47 innings for Detroit this season. ⚾
Clay Holmes could land on the Blue Jays' free-agent radar, but regression looms. He posted a 3.29 ERA over 18 starts in 2026, then slipped to 4.25 with the Cubs despite elite defense. A contact-heavy profile is a risky fit. ⚠️
David Bell stepped down as Jays assistant GM and VP of Baseball Operations, reportedly a personal decision, and the team is looking for a replacement. Meanwhile, MLB's latest proposal to the union met a cold reply, so a 2027 lockout looks likely. 🔒
Ex-Blue Jays pitcher Matt Shoemaker just survived his tightest spot yet: a 28-vote win (6,598 to 6,570) for the third seat on the Saline Area Schools Board of Education in Michigan. The margin still awaits official canvass. 🗳️
Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly predicts the Blue Jays will sign Seiya Suzuki to a five-year, $145M deal, with Toronto reportedly expected to pursue him. He'd add outfield help and power, though at 32, the length carries risk. 🔍
Kevin Gausman is a free agent after the Jays dealt him to the Cubs on Aug. 2, and he hasn't announced his 2027 plans. Retirement is possible, though a Toronto reunion is considered likely if he keeps playing. He's earned roughly $154M in his career. ⚾
Paul Sewald hinted at retirement after closing out Toronto's 2026 finale, asking Myles Straw for the ball, but hasn't announced anything. The free agent, 36, posted a 0.63 ERA over 17 games with the Jays after an August waiver claim. ⚾
The Flight Deck Podcast: THE WORLD SERIES IS OVER!!! | The Flight Deck | November 2nd, 2026
Ken Rosenthal calls Seiya Suzuki and Randy Arozarena "great fits" for Toronto, with George Springer's deal expired and Varsho gone to Houston. Outfielders ranked 19th in OPS, so he expects the Blue Jays to be active. 🔍
Post-World Series housekeeping: the Blue Jays made 25 roster moves, mostly minor-league. Trenton Wallace, Yariel Rodríguez and Nic Enright came off injured lists at Buffalo, CJ Van Eyk was sent outright to Buffalo, and several others elected free agency. 📋
Former Blue Jays reliever Chad Green has officially retired, calling it quits in early April after no worthwhile offer came following his designation last year. He's reportedly earned over $31 million in his MLB career and is now focused on family time. 👋
A Reds trade for Elly de la Cruz would reportedly carry a Juan Soto-sized price. A speculative package of Trey Yesavage, Addison Barger and JoJo Parker could get it done, but would Toronto pay that much? Cincinnati is said to be weighing offers. 🤔
Brandon Barriera, the Blue Jays' 2022 first-rounder, is healthy in the Arizona Fall League with the Mesa Solar Sox after years of arm injuries. He logged 38 2/3 innings across three levels in 2026 and says he's "falling in love" with baseball again. ⚾
Ex-Blue Jays lefty Josh Fleming has reportedly re-signed with the Cardinals on a minor-league deal, per Derrick Goold. Fleming made one appearance for Toronto in 2026, then six starts for Triple-A Memphis. Rotation depth, NL edition. ⚾
Assistant GM David Bell is stepping down from the Blue Jays front office after two years, saying he wants to "reassess where I can make the greatest impact." The shake-up follows a 79-83 last-place finish, one year removed from the 2025 AL pennant. 🔄
Lefty Josh Fleming is reportedly returning to the Cardinals on a minor league deal. Toronto released him in early July after he allowed four earned runs over three innings in his lone Blue Jays appearance this season. He's now Cardinals depth, not a Jays concern. ⚾
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