Carlos Estevez, Jurickson Profar predicted to land in AL East, per MLB insider

The Toronto Blue Jays have faced several unsuccessful attempts to sign high-profile free agents this winter, missing out on stars like Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes due to their reluctance to meet the contract demands. As a result, they might need to consider second-tier free agents to improve their roster.

On MLB Network's Hot Stove, insider Jon Morosi mentioned the possibility of the Blue Jays signing at least one big name this year. He suggested Carlos Esteves and Jurickson Profar as potential targets for the team.

"The Jays are going to get someone... Whether it's Esteves, whether it's Jurickson Profar, there are a number of different free agents out there who I look at, and I believe the Jays have had conversations on as being a fit."

"Profar is a switch hitter, and the lack of discussion, broadly speaking, in this man, Jurickson Profar, is just baffling to me, because... You see the energy that he brought to the Padres a year ago. So whether it's Estevez or Profar, they're both of interest right now to the Toronto Blue Jays," Morosi said.

Profar hit 24 homers for the Padres at an average of .280. His versatility at the plate is sure to attract interest from multiple teams. Reliever Carlos Esteves pitched for the Los Angeles Angels and the Philadelphia Phillies last year. In 54 games, Esteves posted a 2.45 ERA and recorded 26 saves.

Toronto might be unwilling to spend big on any free agent amid Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract situation

A report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today suggested that the Toronto Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are currently at a deadlock over an extension. The infielder is going to head into free agency after the 2025 season.

As per Nightengale, the Blue Jays have offered Vlady $350 million, but that is at least $100 million less than what Guerrero and his agents are expecting. This has raised questions within the Blue Jays management about whether they should pursue a big star like Alex Bregman or Pete Alonso, or focus on retaining the face of their organization.

The Blue Jays managed just 74 wins in 2024, finishing last in a competitive AL East race.