Toronto’s 94-win season was their highest total since 2015, leading them to an AL East title and eventual trip to the World Series. The Blue Jays carried the 5th highest payroll in 2025, projected to come in at $280M according to our data. Will they keep the gas pedal down in 2026 and foot the repeat-tax bill?
A Bright Spot
3B Ernie Clement, a career minor leaguer until Toronto gave him a full look in 2024, prompting a 300-game stretch where he’s produced toward an 8 WAR. His hit for contact approach at the bottom of the lineup has defined the Blue Jays memorable season.
A Big Concern
SS Bo Bichette is a pending free agent, and one of the top names set to hit the open market. The 2016 2nd round pick has battled injuries in each of the past 3 seasons, but has maintained 25 HR, 100 RBI, .850 OPS level production through 6+ seasons. He values toward an 8 year, $186M contract in our system.
Related Links
2026 Blue Jays Financials
MLB Offseason Guides
Pending Free Agents
Bichette is eyeing a blockbuster deal this winter, which could make life very expensive for the Blue Jays if they push to retain him. Bassitt and Scherzer both have interest in continuing their careers, but they might need to accept incentive-laden deals this time around.
Option Decisions
Bieber’s 7 starts down the stretch following a return from Tommy John surgery proved extremely vital for this Blue Jays organization who will need another veteran arm on the books for 2026. The former Cleveland ace projects to a 6 year, $145M contract in our system.
PLAYER
OPTION SALARY
Shane Bieber (SP, 30)
$16M player option ($4M buyout)
Arbitration-Eligibility
Varsho will be heading into a walk-year in 2026, and should be an extension candidate this winter. Clement remains tremendous value, and is cost-controlled through 2028.
Guaranteed Salary
Guerrero’s 14 year, $500M contract kicks in next season, giving him the 7th highest tax salary in MLB (for now). There’s a well established, balanced core under contract here.
PLAYER
CBT SALARY
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B, 27)
$35.7M
George Springer (DH/OF, 36)
$25M
Kevin Gausman (SP, 35)
$22M
José Berríos (SP, 32)
$18.7M
Andres Gimenez (INF, 27)
$15.2M
Anthony Santander (OF, 31)
$13.7M
Alejandro Kirk (C, 27)
$11.6M
Jeff Hoffman (RP, 33)
$11M
Yimi Garcia (RP, 35)
$7.5M
Yariel Rodriguez (RP, 29)
$6.4M
Myles Straw (OF, 31)
$6.3M
Team Tax Projections
The 2025 Blue Jays exceeded the tax threshold by nearly $40M, pushing their chips in at the right time. They begin the 2026 league year with a payroll just under the $244M line, making another year in the tax inevitable.
Spotrac’s 2026 MLB Offseason Previews
