TORONTO, ON – AUGUST 30: Jackie Bradley Jr. #25 of the Toronto Blue Jays runs to first base against the Chicago Cubs at Rogers Centre on August 30, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
These three Toronto Blue Jays free agents are likely to find a new team next season.
The Toronto Blue Jays roster may not undergo the same extensive overhaul as other MLB squads, yet there are still potential changes on the horizon. Their list of possible free agents isn’t extensive. but it does include names even non-Blue Jays fans will know.
For the most part, the core of the Blue Jays is either young or signed through at least 2023. They aren’t looking to just win a World Series now. Their goal seems to be building a dynasty, although every great dynasty does need at least one championship.
We can look for the Blue Jays to let some of their free agents walk next season, even if they could be fits going forward. Not everyone can stay. Some spots need improvement. It’s these three free agents we can best assume won’t return in 2023.
3) Blue Jays have no need to bring back Jackie Bradley Jr.
Picking up Jackie Bradley Jr. in the first place was more reactionary than anything else. The Blue Jays needed some outfield depth, and Bradley was able to give it to them.
The problem is his offense. Bradley’s offense has been even worse with Toronto than it was during his time with the Boston Red Sox. At only 32 years old, it’s looking like Bradley’s time as a major leaguer could be coming to an end prematurely.
There were already questions about Bradley last season when he hit just .163 in year one with the Milwaukee Brewers. He was traded back to the Red Sox in the offseason where he managed to bat just .210 in his 290 trips to the plate for them. Once released, there wasn’t much competition to pick him up. The Blue Jays may have some regrets but in their desperation, at least it was better than having an automatic out in the lineup — barely.