Blue Jays preseason capsule: Club could go from last to playoffs

Toronto Blue Jays

2024 record: 74-88 (5th place, AL East).

He gone: INF/OF Spencer Horwitz, LHP Genesis Cabrera, RHP Jordan Romano, LHP Ryan Yarbrough.

New faces: OF Anthony Santander, RHP Max Scherzer, INF Andres Gimenez, RHP Jeff Hoffman, RHP Yimi Garcia, RHP Nick Sandlin.

Biggest question entering Opening Day: Will this be Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s final season as a Blue Jay? The slugging first baseman avoided arbitration on his 2025 contract, but he has yet to be locked up beyond this season. After missing out on Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto in recent years, fans north of the border likely feel a bit unsettled about this situation.

Top prospect: With top prospects Arjun Nimmala and Trey Yesavage still at least a year away from Toronto, INF Orelvis Martinez figures to be the closest to making an impact. He made his debut last summer at age 22 -- but was suspended for PED use -- and will look to show he is ready for more playing time this season.

Breakout player: If Bowden Francis can achieve anything close to what he did late last season, the Jays will have a rotation stalwart for years to come. He recorded a 1.80 ERA over his last 11 appearances (10 starts), taking two no-hit bids into the ninth inning.

2025 outlook: Despite big free-agent misses, Santander, Gimenez and Scherzer are key additions as Toronto looks to get back into the playoff mix. A left shoulder injury could have CF Daulton Varsho sidelined to start the season. Still, the lineup looks strong and the rotation has depth with Jose Berrios leading the way, Scherzer in the fold, and Yariel Rodriguez -- a regular starter from last season -- likely slotting on the outside looking in.

--Field Level Media