For years, the AL East has been a two-horse race with the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox dominating. However, the Toronto Blue Jays are crashing the party with a war chest and a clear message: the old guard’s time is up. For one, MLB insider Jeff Passan seemed to back them.

“The Blue Jays have a chance to seize control of the AL East,” he wrote. “Toronto, long mocked for its failures in free agency, is now a destination for players… If you’re going to spend $210 million on Cease, that’s a sign.”

The Blue Jays entered this winter confident after reaching the 2025 World Series. And their biggest trump card was their ability to spend more.

Their early push included Dylan Cease at $210 million for seven years and the Cody Ponce chase, which is now settled at $30 million/ 3-year deal. These moves showed real intent supported by ownership resources confirmed throughout league discussions.

Already, super agent Scott Boras has stated the shifting dynamics of Toronto as a destination choice. In fact, he was confident that it is now a top four or five major market in the major leagues. This revelation, along with the fact that the players now see the 2025 World Series finalists as a winning franchise, only helps the Blue Jays to make such pushes.

Moreover, Toronto’s position allowed them to be patient while pursuing bullpen help and reviewing market options.

They contacted Robert Suarez, Luke Weaver, Pete Fairbanks, Brad Keller, and Tyler Rogers. Agents viewed Suarez as their primary target based on previous engagement during past cycles. The team also monitored unique paths involving Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker without budget limits.

Tucker’s projected $427 million contract influences the competition among Toronto, Los Angeles, and New York. Reports showed Los Angeles preferred a 3 or 4-year deal carrying a higher annual salary. That stance strengthened Toronto’s chances, with New York leaning toward Cody Bellinger instead. Bo Bichette is also rumored to sign a $208 million contract, and with deferrals, the Jays can easily fit both free agents.

Toronto’s structure improves further with $92 million projected to clear after the 2026 season. Raises for Dylan Cease, Jose Berrios, Andres Gimenez, and Alejandro Kirk remain accounted for. Current commitments of around $154 million for 2027 still allow flexibility for major additions.

What’s more, multiple indicators positioned Toronto as a leading destination based on current negotiating dynamics.

The Yankees and Red Sox can plan all winter, but Toronto is actually taking action. But building a true AL East nightmare requires more than just bats. With Cease anchoring the rotation, the front office is now turning its attention to the depth chart, where questions still linger…

After Cease, should the Blue Jays add more to their starting pitching?

The Blue Jays added Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to strengthen their rotation. Their staff includes Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Jose Berrios, and Trey Yesavage. However, there’s a kicker…

Ross Atkins confirmed Berrios left during the World Series after bullpen frustration issues. Atkins also stated Berrios remains under contract, although his rotation status appears unsettled for now. This uncertainty led Toronto to explore value pitching options for additional depth this year.

The club evaluated Jose Quintana and Martin Perez as affordable left-handed candidates. Toronto also reviewed Adrian Houser, who produced 11 starts with Chicago before deteriorating. Meanwhile, Brad Keller and Dustin May remain monitored targets as roster depth discussions continue.

The uncertainty around Berrios keeps Toronto searching because sturdy rotations rarely fix themselves fully. Adding depth after securing Cease shows the Blue Jays understand stability demands real competition. If Toronto lands another arm, fans might finally breathe without checking daily injury reports.