The Toronto Blue Jays are practically running it back for another season. Did they make changes? Yes. They brought in Kazuma Okamoto, Cody Ponce, and Dylan Cease, and that does have an impact on the team. But is that enough? MLB Insider Bradford Doolittle begs to differ.

All offseason, we heard that the Blue Jays have made some big splashes in the offseason, but according to Doolittle, they have made none.

“The Blue Jays don’t get credit for a splash signing for landing Kazuma Okamoto, who doesn’t have an MLB track record yet, and Dylan Cease doesn’t qualify, but the Blue Jays aren’t that different overall,” he said.

The Blue Jays’ offseason lands in the “Passive Offseason Without a Major Splash” category. That is because they largely kept a familiar roster after nearly winning the 2025 World Series. Toronto decided to stick with its core rather than blow up the roster or overspend on new stars.

This type of offseason has allowed teams to stay competitive by keeping their core stable. But only a small number of teams have been able to convert that into a title-winning team. Going into the 2026 season, Toronto has almost 75% of the roster the same as 2025.

The Jays invested $270 million in their core players with two investments. They added pitchers Dylan Cease ($210 million, seven years) and batter Kazuma Okamoto (four years, $60 million) to support both offense and pitching.

Even with those additions, ESPN graded the team’s offseason at a B+. The report said that it maintained its World Series-contending talent without major position changes and increased payroll by about $29 million. Toronto also saw key departures such as Bo Bichette and Chris Bassitt, who were replaced by top talent.

First, analysts have not called Okamoto’s contract a splash. He is a $60 million gamble as he has no prior MLB experience. And despite the big number on paper for Dylan Cease’s $210 million contract, many analysts and executives stopped short of calling it a classic big splash. The reason given for that is his recent performances.

Cease in 2025 had an ERA of 4.55 with a 1.33 WHIP. These numbers are not associated with top-level signings. But he has consistently struck out more than 200 batters and made at least 30 starts each of the last five seasons. That is why, when the Cease was signed, there were a lot of mixed reactions.

While continuity and stable rotations have produced champions in the past, it’s historically rare for teams to make the World Series after losing in Game 7 the past year. The Blue Jays’ management, led by president Mark Shapiro, has repeatedly emphasized that reaching the playoffs must be the first priority in 2026 and not a World Series.

The improved teams in the AL East also make it difficult for the Jays. The Orioles have added veterans Pete Alonso and Chris Bassitt. The Red Sox added Ranger Suárez to a $130  million deal alongside other key moves.

Then there are the ever-consistent New York Yankees, who are one of the best regular-season teams. In this context, the Jays’ strategy makes sense, but it also highlights the tough balance between continuity, financial risk, and real postseason competition. So, the Jays could maybe end the offseason by making one more signing.

The Blue Jays could finish the offseason with one last move

While the signings of Cease and Okamoto might’ve gotten mixed reactions, they still show a move in the right direction. However, one more signing can truly make the Jays a possible powerhouse. And that signing is of JoJo Romero.

The Blue Jays’ bullpen still feels unfinished as it is very right-heavy. Entering 2026, the only left-handed relievers on the roster are Eric Lauer, Brendon Little, and Mason Fluharty. Bringing in another left‑handed arm would plug a real tactical hole that has been discussed many times this offseason.

Romero is one of the best left‑handed relief options available because he posted a 2.07 ERA in 2025. He struck out 55 batters and recorded eight saves while keeping a 1.25 WHIP. The St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a one‑year, $4.26 million contract for 2026, his final year of team control.

The Cardinals are in a rebuild mode and will most likely listen to offers before Romero becomes a free agent. With teams like the Yankees and the Orioles already showing an interest, the Jays need to move swiftly. And since Romero only has a year left, the Blue Jays won’t have to give up much.

A mid-tier talent in return for a rental reliever should do the trick. One proposal tossed around involves Toronto sending a controllable outfielder or a couple of mid‑rank pitching prospects.

For Toronto, going after Romero would make the most sense. They will fill a huge hole in the bullpen, and it won’t even disrupt the team’s balance.

If the Jays act quickly, they could scoop Romero up before other contenders do, because left‑handed relievers of his quality are rarely available.