The Toronto Blue Jays, who missed the playoffs in 2024, have demonstrated a willingness to be active in free agency as they aim to improve for the 2025 season, particularly by bolstering their starting rotation. While the Blue Jays are pursuing high-profile players like Juan Soto, their focus may shift toward adding a starting pitcher if they miss out on Soto. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Blue Jays could be a strong candidate to sign Nathan Eovaldi to a three-year, $70 million deal.
Bowden notes that the Blue Jays have had difficulty attracting free agents to Toronto, but they are still targeting both position players and starting pitchers. Eovaldi, a seasoned veteran heading into his age-35 season, could be a great fit for their rotation. While the Blue Jays might need to offer him an additional year on his contract compared to other suitors, his proven track record makes him worth the investment.
Eovaldi is a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion who had a solid season in 2024 with the Texas Rangers, posting a 3.80 ERA over 29 starts and recording 166 strikeouts. Though not an ace, his consistent performance over the past four years—holding a 3.76 ERA in 106 starts—demonstrates his value as a reliable mid-rotation arm. The Blue Jays are likely exploring other potential high-end options like Max Fried or Corbin Burnes to strengthen their rotation, but Eovaldi would add much-needed depth to their pitching staff. Furthermore, his experience in the American League East with the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees makes him an ideal candidate to thrive in Toronto’s competitive division.
