6 starting pitchers Toronto Blue Jays could target in free agency

The Toronto Blue Jays are in need of some changes after what was an extremely disappointing 2026 season.

After falling just one game shy of a World Series title in 2025, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins was very aggressive in loading up his roster in hopes of another deep playoff run.

Atkins brought in several new faces including Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Tyler Rogers, and Kazuma Okamoto. They also made a huge push to sign Kyle Tucker before he ultimately chose to join the LA Dodgers.

Despite all those changes that seemingly made them better on paper, the Blue Jays finished the season with a disappointing 79-83 record. As a result, Atkins will have another busy offseason as he tries to get his team back on the right course.

One area Atkins will be looking to improve is his starting rotation. They currently have Cease, Ponce, Jose Soriano, Trey Yesavage, and Spencer Miles under contract, though the constant injuries to their rotation this past season proved just how important it is to have depth in that position. 

With that said, here are seven starting pitchers set to hit the free-agent market that the Blue Jays may look to target this offseason...

1. Tarik Skubal

The Blue Jays don't need an ace given that they already have Cease locked up, but it can't be understated just how big of an addition Tarik Skubal would be.

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The 29-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best pitchers in baseball and will have no shortage of suitors in free agency. That said, the Blue Jays front office has proven they aren't afraid to spend.

Adding Skubal would immediately put the Blue Jays back in World Series contender status. It may come down to whether or not they're able to outbid other high-spending teams, including the LA Dodgers, who are hoping to re-sign the two-time Cy Young Award winner.

2. Sonny Gray

The 36-year-old Sonny Gray has confirmed he plans to pitch again in 2027, though where he lands remains to be seen. The long-time ace is expected to opt out of his deal with the Boston Red Sox after the World Series concludes.

Despite his age, Gray has remained productive. In fact, he's coming off of one of the best seasons of his career.

In 169 innings with the Red Sox this past season, Gray posted a sparkling 2.72 ERA along with an 18-5 record. Suffice to say, he'd be a welcome addition in Toronto.

3. Michael King

Like Gray, Michael King is expected to opt out of his contract with the San Diego Padres in hopes of landing a multi-year deal on the free-agent market. The 31-year-old doesn't boast the resume of Skubal or Gray, but is one of the better starting pitchers expected to be up for grabs this offseason.

King's career has blossomed since joining the Padres ahead of the 2024 season, one in which he finished seventh in Cy Young voting. This past season saw him put up a very solid 3.21 ERA through 185 innings.

4. Shota Imanaga

Shota Imanaga hasn't been the same pitcher as he was in his rookie season back in 2024, but that by no means suggests he's performed poorly. The left-handed Japanese pitcher won't garner nearly as much attention in free agency as others on this list, but would provide many teams, including the Blue Jays, with a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm. 

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Imanaga put up a respectable 3.77 ERA in 174.1 innings with the Chicago Cubs this past season, which is a fair representation of his solid yet non-spectacular pitching. If the Blue Jays don't want to swing for the fences on a starter in free agency, the 33-year-old would be a solid option.

5. Kevin Gausman

Blue Jays fans shouldn't rule out the possibility of a reunion with their former ace in Kevin Gausman. The 36-year-old struggled with both the Jays and Cubs in 2026, though his past results suggest a bounce-back is in store next season.

Due to his age and struggles this past season, Gausman isn't expected to sign a multi-year deal, which may add interest on the Blue Jays' behalf. The player himself has been extremely vocal about how much he loved his time in Toronto, suggesting he'd be open to a reunion should the opportunity present itself. 

6. Robbie Ray

Speaking of potential reunions, Robbie Ray is another name to keep an eye on. The 35-year-old hasn't come close to replicating his Cy Young Award-winning season with the Blue Jays in 2021, but has continued to be a reliable starting pitcher.

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Ray, set to become a free agent, posted a 3.59 ERA in a combined 165.2-inning split between the San Francisco Giants and the Padres this past season. Like Gausman, he isn't expected to land a long-term deal, which would make him an affordable short-term option for the Jays.