As the Jays try to assess their options this offseason, it's important to note how much money they'll have at their disposal.
After going 79-83 this season and missing the playoffs, the Toronto Blue Jays enter this offseason with real questions in front of them. We've already addressed what they can do with regards to Ernie Clement if they want to upgrade, and we've already looked at the possibility of adding a major outfielder into the mix, but before we go any further, we need to understand the financial impact of everything heading into the offseason.
Labor issue disclaimer
The collective bargaining agreement runs out on Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Once that happens, the sport will go into a freeze. We have no idea what the financial situation will look like after the sport unthaws and a new agreement is reached. Obviously, whether or not there is a salary cap will play a huge role in what the Blue Jays can and cannot do.
How much money is coming off the books?
| Player | Money off books from 2026 |
|---|---|
| George Springer | $24 million |
| Max Scherzer | $5 million (29 total) |
| Shane Bieber | Approx. $16 million (45 total) |
| Yimi Garcia | $7.5 million (52.5 total) |
| Kevin Gausman | $23 million (75.5 total) |
| Daulton Varsho | $7.5 million (83 total) |
| Jeff Hoffman | $7.25 million (90.25 total) |
| Patrick Corbin | $1 million (91.25 total) |
| Jesus Sanchez | $6 million (97.25 total) |
| Jameson Taillon | Approx $5 million (102.25 total) |
So, between players that the Jays traded in 2026 and the players headed for free agency, the Jays are slated to have about $102 million coming off the payroll. With additional players on league minimum salaries, that number is closer to $105-110 million, which is extremely favorable heading into the offseason. However, it should be noted that the Blue Jays can save an additional $7.5 million by declining the player option on Myles Straw. That would give them nearly $110-115 million free. So, around $170 million in remaining salary based on 2026.
Are any players getting raises?
Yes. Let's take a look at how much more players will make in 2027 compared to 2026.
| Player | How much more in 2027? |
|---|---|
| Andres Gimenez | $8 million |
| Dylan Cease | $8 million |
| Jose Berrios | $6 million |
| Kazuma Okamoto | $9 million |
| Tyler Rogers | $5 million |
| Alejandro Kirk | $4 million |
| Cody Ponce | $6 million |
The Blue Jays are slated to add $48 million back into the mix via these payroll raises.
So, what's the number heading into 2027?
As always, there is a disparity in true financial information. We believe that about $110 million is coming off the books from this year's payroll, meaning the Blue Jays would be at about $170 million, but then with that $48 million added back in, they'd be at about $218 million to pay out in cash next season. In theory, the Blue Jays would have about $65-ish million or so to play with to get to this year's spending level, but that would be cut into by players eligible for arbitration, which would leave less.
It should be noted that Fangraphs has the Jays with only $211 million in financial guarantees for 2027, where as we have approximated to $218.
Either way, the Blue Jays are in a good position to spend, should the economic climate allow for it.
