Latest Blue Jays Report Could Shake Up MLB Free Agency

It certainly sounds like the Toronto Blue Jays may be looking for more pitching, which could shake up the market.

Jul 20, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

There are a few veteran starting pitchers available right now in free agency and it sounds like there's at least a chance the market could open up a bit in the near future.

The Toronto Blue Jays are a World Series contender in the American League, but they are dealing with pitching injuries all over the place, with the latest being Cody Ponce, who is dealing with an ACL injury. With Ponce injured, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reported on Friday that the Blue Jays are "actively pursuing pitching."

"The uncertainty is tied to the right knee injury sustained by Cody Ponce on Monday, but while the Blue Jays await word on Ponce’s knee, they’ve been actively pursuing pitching reinforcements. According to industry sources, the Blue Jays had serious talks with at least one free agent starter this week," Nicholson-Smith wrote.

This is what could shake up free agency across Major League Baseball right now. The season is here, so obviously the free agent market has become almost non-existant. There was a bit of a wave of free agent signings right before the season, but things have gone quiet on that front. But there are starters out there right now who could use a deal in free agency right now.

Lucas Giolito

Sep 6, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito (54) pitches during the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images | Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

This is the guy who should be the next big league pitcher to sign a deal in free agency. He's a former All-Star and had a good season with the Boston Red Sox in 2025. There's no reason why he's available right now. If the Blue Jays — or any team for that matter — is looking for pitching, that search should start and end with Giolito.

Nestor Cortes

Aug 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nestor Cortes (65) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Another former All-Star with a career 3.94 ERA in eight big league seasons. He's another guy who could help a team if he's healthy right now.

Patrick Corbin

Sep 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Patrick Corbin (46) throws a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Patrick Corbin is a two-time All-Star and was brutal from 2020 through the 2024 season. He did bounce back a tad in 2025 with a 4.40 ERA in 31 appearances for the Texas Rangers. He wouldn't be the best option of the three here listed so far, but another veteran out there.

Marcus Stroman

Jul 31, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) follows through on a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Stroman has a career 3.79 ERA in 11 big league seasons and began his career as a member of the Blue Jays. He only made nine appearances in 2025, but he's another guy out there for the taking. All in all, there are hurlers available for Toronto, or any other team, to pick from.