Toronto Blue Jays: Team Apparently Set to Shift Offensive Philosophy in 2027

According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, the Toronto Blue Jays "plan to obsess over baserunning in 2027."

Matheson made that revelation on Monday as the general managers meetings get going in Las Vegas, and he made it while discussing how Jazz Chisholm Jr. could be a fit for the team in free agency:

In 2027, the Blue Jays plan to obsess over baserunning, which is one of Chisholm’s trademarks. Elite baserunning and above-average defense are a great starting point -- and a very “Blue Jays” profile -- so it’s all about whether Chisholm could recapture his power upside.

Ironically, we made the case for Chisholm just the other day. In addition to his actual playing profile, it's important to note that Chisholm is younger (28) than other top free agents like Randy Arozarena, Seiya Suzuki and Brandon Lowe. And he also doesn't come with a qualifying offer attached like the other three do.

Chisholm is a seven-year veteran of the Miami Marlins and New York Yankees. He hit 31 homers in 2025 while also stealing 31 bases. In 2026, he hit 19 homers and stole 41 bases.

There are questions about his maturity at times, but he checks a lot of boxes in terms of making this team deeper from a power perspective, and more athletic, which is what Matheson references as being important.

Perhaps the Blue Jays want to go the way of the world champion Milwaukee Brewers in terms of how they play offense: Less power dependent, but able to beat you in a multitude of ways.

Well, for starters, he'd play second base, which would bump Ernie Clement to a super utility role. It would also help balance the Blue Jays lineup out.

In theory, the Jays would have Addison Barger (L), Brett Bateman (L) and Nathan Lukes (L) in the outfield with Anthony Santander (S) as the designated hitter. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R), Alejandro Kirk, Kazuma Okamoto (R), Chisholm (L) and Andres Gimenez (L) would make up the infield and catching group. That would give the Jays five left-handed hitters, three right-handed hitters and a switch-hitter.

And Clement could ultimately become the right-handed bench bat the team needs, as well as the utility option that can start against left-handed pitchers. Perhaps he could play in a corner outfield spot while sending Lukes to the bench?

As I've said all along, I think a right-handed hitting outfielder is, but if you don't want to pay the big prices for players with a qualifying offer, then I understand moving to Chisholm, who just requires money itself.