Change is brewing north of the border.
The Toronto Blue Jays’ 2024 season is nearing its disappointing end. Sitting at a 72-78 record, they occupy the bottom spot in the highly competitive AL East.
After securing a playoff spot in 2023 and heading into the offseason with high hopes, the Blue Jays seemed poised to advance to the next level. However, things have spiraled downward, leaving the organization in disarray, both on and off the field. With a messy clubhouse and uninspiring on-field performances, it’s uncertain how the ownership will address these issues.
Last offseason, Toronto aggressively pursued stars like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. Despite offering Ohtani $700 million, their efforts fell short. Without securing top-tier replacements, the Blue Jays largely brought back the same core players, making only minor adjustments.
Now, the question looms: Will they make a significant splash this offseason? If Soto doesn’t join, it’s uncertain whether they will spend enough to truly improve. Any meaningful trade might require first resolving their internal clubhouse issues.
While firing the GM may seem like the most logical step, Ross Atkins’ close relationship with team president Mark Shapiro suggests that major front-office changes are unlikely.
ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that the league doesn’t expect upheaval in Toronto’s front office, meaning alterations will happen lower down the chain. Unfortunately for Blue Jays fans, Atkins is likely to continue making key decisions, a situation that doesn’t inspire much hope. Here are three figures who probably won’t return to the team next season.
1. SP Chris Bassitt
Chris Bassitt, despite being a model professional since joining Toronto, might not return in 2025. As he reflects on the team’s struggles, Bassitt insists that blame falls primarily on the players, not the front office. With a year left on his contract at $22 million, Bassitt could still attract attention despite a down year, where he posted a career-worst 4.20 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. His decade of experience and previous success could make him a valuable trade piece as Toronto looks to make changes.
2. SS Bo Bichette
Bo Bichette’s departure from Toronto seems increasingly likely. Reports suggest Bichette privately welcomed the idea of a trade before the deadline. With his contract ending after next season and no extension in sight, Toronto risks losing him for nothing. Even after a dismal 2024 season, Bichette, a two-time All-Star, could still fetch a strong trade package. Despite his poor offensive stats this year, teams in need of a shortstop will likely take a chance on his potential resurgence.
1. Manager John Schneider
Although many players defend John Schneider, the Blue Jays’ manager may still be on the hot seat. In professional sports, coaches often take the fall for a team’s failures, even when players shoulder some of the blame. With Ross Atkins seemingly secure in his role, Schneider may be the one to go.
Toronto’s bullpen woes and the collective underperformance of its lineup could be attributed, in part, to his management. Several appealing managerial candidates, like Skip Schumaker, could be on the market this winter, making it easier for the Blue Jays to move on from Schneider.
