Toronto Blue Jays Meet with Corbin Burnes

The Toronto Blue Jays are pursuing free-agent pitcher Corbin Burnes, who had a successful 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles, posting a 2.92 ERA and finishing fifth in AL Cy Young voting. An in-person meeting between Burnes and the Blue Jays indicates their serious interest, as they also aim to sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto. With key players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette entering their final contract years, the Blue Jays are under pressure to improve after a disappointing 74-88 record last season. Burnes, a four-time All-Star, would bolster an already solid rotation featuring Kevin Gausman and José Berríos. The Blue Jays are exploring multiple high-end free agents, including lefty Max Fried, and may be preparing for contingency plans should their pursuit of Soto not pan out. Overall, the front office is signaling a commitment to spending and enhancing the team's competitiveness in the upcoming season.