Blue Jays A 'Serious Player' For Two Elite Closers in Free Agency

The Toronto Blue Jays went out and made a huge free agent splash this past week, signing one of the top starting pitchers on the market, Dylan Cease. But their work is not done this offseason, as the bullpen was a notable weak spot for the team. It must be addressed.

According to a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post (h/t heavy.com), the Jays are strongly considering one of the two elite relievers in free agency:

They’re also eying a top closer and are seen as a potentially serious player for Edwin Díaz, Robert Suarez, or one of the other prime back-end bullpen pieces.

We heard earlier this month, in fact, that the Jays have already met with the Diaz camp, and could indeed steal him from the New York Mets.

Ken Rosenthal, writing in The Athletic, noted that “The Blue Jays, according to people briefed on their activity, met with Díaz’s agents from Wasserman at the general managers’ meetings...

"Toronto... is targeting high-leverage relief as well as starting pitching, and it’s signaling a willingness to both spend big and lose draft picks if necessary.”

They obviously made their splash already on the rotation with Cease, now the bullpen is the focus on the pitching side.

Blue Jays targeting Edwin Diaz and Robert Suarez in free agency

Diaz returned to absolute dominance in 2025, with a 1.63 ERA, a 0.87 WHIP and 28 saves for the Mets. He struck out 13.3 batters per nine innings. He rode his 3rd All-Star season back into free agency, opting out of his long-term deal, leaving $38 million guaranteed on the table. He should be able to recoup that, and more, from the Jays, or any other team that signs him.

Suarez has been one of the top closers in the majors for the past two seasons with the San Diego Padres, and also opted out of his contract to hit free agency. He compiled an NL-leading 40 saves this past year, and 36 the season before, and has a career 2.91 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP.

Other relievers the Jays could consider, if they fall short on those two, include Devin Williams, Pete Fairbanks and/or Ryan Helsley (though he is being pursued by other teams as a starter).