Blue Jays Predicted To Sign Ex-Astros Ace By ESPN Panel

By Patrick McAvoy

Contributing Sports Writer

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It's no secret that the Toronto Blue Jays could use some more pitching this offseason.

Right now, two key members of the 2025 staff are available in free agency in Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt. Bringing back either would be nice. However you look at it, the Blue Jays need more pitching, whether that's retaining an old friend or signing someone new.

On Wednesday, ESPN's Jesse Rogers shared a column in which 16 Major League Baseball executives weighed in on the top available stars and predicted where they would go. Toronto needs pitching, and the panel predicted that the Blue Jays will end up signing former Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez.

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"Where will the top 3 free agent starters with MLB experience sign? Survey says: Framber Valdez: Blue Jays 5, New York Mets 4, (Baltimore Orioles) 4, (Detroit Tigers) 1, (and) Houston Astros 1," Rogers wrote.

Landing an ace of Valdez's caliber would be a big get. He had a 3.66 ERA last season for the Astros across 31 starts. Valdez hasn't pitched fewer than 176 1/3 innings in a season since 2021. The two-time All-Star would be expensive, but would give the Blue Jays a bona fide ace at the top of the rotation they need right now.

So, why Toronto? Rogers gave insight into the idea from the executives.

"The Blue Jays showed up as possibilities for each pitcher, as executives believe they will add to their team after making the World Series and coming so close to winning it all this past season," Rogers wrote.

The Blue Jays were pretty much as close as a team could be without winning the World Series in 2025. Now, it's time to get bold and add pitching.

More MLB: Blue Jays ‘Checked In’ On $116.5M Infielder: Report

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