After falling painfully short of winning the World Series in 2025, most of the conversation around the Toronto Blue Jays has been about how they can improve their roster in 2026 and beyond.

And so far they've done that by signing pitchers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to multi-year deals. 

But on Friday, they took a break from building the roster and elected to lock up a key member of the front office to a multi-year deal.

Rogers Communications announced that they have given president and CEO Mark Shapiro a five-year contract extension.

"The opportunity to lead the Blue Jays organization over the past 10 years has been incredibly fulfilling. Together we have built an organization with people who care deeply about baseball take immense pride in being Canada's team. I am grateful and honoured to be able to continue that work," he said.

A Massachusetts native, Shapiro was with the Cleveland Guardians franchise from 1991-2015.

What's next for Toronto

With part of the front office structure taken care of, you can expect a contract extension for manager John Schneider.

Beyond that, the Jays will look to fill out the roster as well. They are being connected to big bats on the free agent market, including Kyle Tucker, and they have interest in a reunion with Bo Bichette. Furthermore, they've been on the on the periphery of the Ketel Marte trade talks.

Outside of the bats, they've also been connected to high-end leverage relievers, however the herd there is thinning. Raisel Iglesias went back to the Atlanta Braves, Edwin Diaz signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Jays missed out on Robert Suarez, who also signed in Atlanta.

Pete Fairbanks, formerly of the Tampa Bay Rays, is still available and the Blue Jays have been linked to him too.

Around the league

--The rival Baltimore Orioles signed Pete Alonso to a five-year deal worth $155 million

--The rival Red Sox continue to be connected to free agents like Alex Bregman and Bichette. They also have interest in trading for Brendan Donovan and Willson Contreras of the St. Louis Cardinals.

--The Mariners, who were just beaten by the Jays in the ALCS, are trying to re-sign Jorge Polanco to a multi-year deal.

--The Angels recently acquired former top prospect Vaughn Grissom in a deal with the Red Sox. Grissom had been acquired from Atlanta in the deal that sent Chris Sale to the Braves.

More Blue Jays stories

Cease says Jays have provided him "believable" pathway to improvement

Dylan Cease explains decision to sign with Toronto

Blue Jays add World Series-winning catcher to coaching staff

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