The Toronto Blue Jays took their shot. They missed, again. At this point, it’s starting to feel like a pattern.
Roki Sasaki was the latest dream that slipped away. The Jays pulled out all the stops—crunching numbers, making trades, and approaching the chase like a team playing chess while the Dodgers played Monopoly. But in the end, Sasaki went west. This wasn’t a one-off. Toronto has been swinging for the fences, only to whiff when it matters most. Now, with their biggest stars inching toward free agency, the pressure is mounting.
The Blue Jays’ pursuit of Roki Sasaki was marked by strategic maneuvers focused on outpacing competitors. By carrying additional international bonus pool space through the trade for Myles Straw, Toronto focused on providing a compelling offer to the Japanese star. Despite such approaches, the Monster of the Reiwa Era left the Jays to reassess their approach.
General manager Ross Atkins acknowledged the sting of missing out but remained steadfast in the team’s approach. “We are obviously disappointed that we did not land the player… But there was a lot to be proud of being in that position,” he said.
That sentiment reflects a harsh reality: the Blue Jays are doing everything right—on paper. But in practice, they keep coming up short. Atkins further highlighted, “Our entire baseball operations department approached it from a leave-no-stone-unturned perspective.” Yet, despite their diligence, the team has repeatedly identified itself as falling just short. The Jays were all in on Shohei Ohtani last year. They pushed the Dodgers to the brink in one of the most dramatic pursuits. This winter, they made an effective bid for Juan Soto, stretching their financial boundaries to land a superstar bat. In addition, the Jays took a run at Corbin Burnes just to see him traded elsewhere.
Such near-misses are becoming tough for fans to accept. A team that has not won a postseason game since 2016 needs more than just close calls. The front office has highlighted an interest in spending and taking risks. However, the outcome is not good. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette inching closer to free agency, the Blue Jays cannot afford to be perpetual runners-up.
The next chapter after Roki Sasaki
The addition of Myles Straw was an analyzed move to enhance the Blue Jays’ international signing capabilities. The .240/.321/.330 with three home runs slasher for Columbus was initially surprised by the trade. He highlighted optimism related to joining Toronto, saying, “New beginnings are always nice, especially with this team“.
Straw has already impressed in spring training, posting a .474 batting average and flashing elite defense. But with Sasaki out of the picture, the question remains: Was this just an overcorrection in a failed pursuit?
The Roki Sasaki saga also exposed the Blue Jays’ strengths—and their flaws. Toronto has a track record of developing established pitchers—Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, and Yusei Kikuchi are proof of that. But their farm system has struggled to produce high-impact arms, forcing them to rely on external additions.
The Roki Sasaki pursuit shined a light on the weakness and the power of the team. Toronto has a proven track record of acquiring and enhancing established pitchers—just look at Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, and Yusei Kikuchi. However, the team’s farm system has lagged in providing high-effect arms, making outer additions a necessity. Sasaki, like any capable talent, was not just looking at 2025 but beyond. From his thought process, the Jays did not look promising. The team finished 74-88, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette potentially 162 games away from free agency. The Blue Jays need more than just ambition—they need results.
The Blue Jays took their shot; however, Sasaki slipped away—just like Shohei Ohtani before him. Toronto has landed talents in the past; however, those wins feel distant now. Can the team pivot as well as establish a true contender? Will near misses define this period? The front office has work to do.
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