Blue Jays predicted to sign $85M Gold Glove finalist to fill major need left by George Springer

Blue Jays predicted to sign $85M Gold Glove finalist to fill major need left by George Springer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Toronto Blue Jays were one of the more disappointing teams of the 2026 season, especially after making a World Series appearance the year before. It was a season in which the roster was decimated by injuries.They will enter the offseason with an obvious goal of competing for some of the biggest free agents on the market. One name the Blue Jays are already interested in is Seiya Suzuki.“The Blue Jays didn't make the playoffs this year, so they are already in offseason mode. Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports that the Jays are expected to pursue outfielder Seiya Suzuki when he hits free agency about a month from now," MLB Trade Rumors' Darragh McDonald wrote.The reason for this interest is that Toronto needs an outfielder who can produce at an All-Star level. The Blue Jays must find someone who can provide production similar to George Springer, who is likely retiring.“It's been a long time since the Blue Jays developed an All-Star-caliber outfielder. You're stuck reaching for Kevin Pillar's peak seasons, then even further for Vernon Wells, who last played for the Blue Jays in 2010. Essentially, the Blue Jays need to find their next George Springer," MLB.com's Keegan Matheson wrote.Sports Illustrated’s Will Laws believes the Blue Jays will sign Suzuki this winter.“Yes, it’s a down year for bats if Suzuki is our top-ranked hitter with MLB experience. That being said, he was nothing if not consistent with the Cubs, averaging 25 home runs with something between 140 and 147 hits over the last four years with a .833 OPS, never registering a wRC+ below 123. He also logged a career-high .368 on-base percentage in 2026 and improved in a major way on defense, recording 14 defensive runs saved after never previously topping two to be honored as a Gold Glove finalist for the first time,” Laws wrote.Suzuki is coming off a very good season in which he proved he can contribute beyond his offensive production. The right fielder was also named a Gold Glove finalist, and that recognition was backed by his defensive performance.Suzuki previously played under an $85 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. He has a cannon for an arm in right field and has been a consistent offensive contributor, even earning Silver Slugger finalist recognition just a couple of seasons ago. This is the type of move the Blue Jays would love to make.More MLB news:Braves insider reveals why Atlanta won’t trade Ronald Acuna Jr. amid fan backlash during playoffsBlue Jays predicted to sign $15M three-time All-Star, 4x Silver Slugger finalist over Seiya SuzukiBraves predicted to sign $3.9M flamethrower to replace Raisel Iglesias, pair with Robert SuarezBlue Jays predicted to sign $10M ex-Yankees veteran, Silver Slugger winner to replace Ernie Clement