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Drew VonScio is a Newsweek contributor based in Pittsburgh, PA. His focus is on MLB content. Drew has been with Newsweek since December 2024 and also works full-time at WTOV, a TV station in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a 2023 graduate of Bethany College (WV) and a 2024 graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. You can get in touch with Drew by emailing d.vonScio@newsweek.com.
Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
news article Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Share✓ Link copied to clipboard! The time is now for the Toronto Blue Jays to win the American League East — especially with the future in limbo for the face of the franchise.As of now, it doesn’t appear like the New York Yankees will be pushing to sign or trade for any big-name pitcher to fill the rotation. The Blue Jays should take advantage of this by bringing in a former Yankees outfielder to bolster the lineup.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Alex Verdugo #24 of the New York Yankees gestures as he runs the bases after his fourth inning two run home run against the Kansas City Royals at…
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Alex Verdugo #24 of the New York Yankees gestures as he runs the bases after his fourth inning two run home run against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on September 09, 2024 in New York City.
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Alex Verdugo is still on the market and would be an ideal addition to the offense. Currently, Will Wagner is leading the way to be the designated hitter for the Blue Jays. He hit .305 last season, but he did so in just 82 at-bats, which is a very small sample size.Wagner also isn’t known for his power or ability to drive in runs, either. Even in the minor leagues, he never recorded more than 10 home runs and 53 RBI. That’s not the type of player you want to be your DH.Signing Verdugo would give the Blue Jays an opportunity to really boost the offensive production. Even in a down year in 2024, Verdugo hit 13 home runs and had 61 RBI. He’s a player who can also provide some extra protection around the sluggers — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Anthony Santander.As mentioned above, going for it all this year could be just enough to convince Guerrero Jr. to sign an extension with the Blue Jays. A more well-rounded lineup is certainly going to help make up his mind given how many players are set to be free agents in the coming seasons.No team has more riding on the upcoming season than the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays who could be free agents at year’s end:Vladimir Guerrero Jr.Bo BichetteMax ScherzerChris BassittChad GreenFree agents after the ’26 season:Kevin GausmanGeorge SpringerAlejandro Kirk…— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 11, 2025
Not only have the Yankees lost Gerrit Cole, but Giancarlo Stanton is also out of the lineup for the forseeable future. Signing Verdugo now would give the Yankees one less option to fill the Stanton void and weaken their lineup even more.The AL East is wide open. It’s up to the Blue Jays to show Guerrero Jr. just how much they want him beyond this year.More MLB:Yankees Could Reunite With $90 Million Pitcher After Gerrit Cole Injury
