The Blue Jays projected a $255 million All-Star title after missing out on Max Fried

The tone of the Toronto Blue Jays’ winter is already becoming desperate.

Losing Juan Soto to the New York Mets was one thing because they never really seemed like serious contenders and the star is now out of their league. But the loss of a more realistic target in Max Fried to the New York Yankees is much more serious.

Now that Fried is no longer on the roster, the Blue Jays have very few options left to make the splash they need and salvage this offseason. After a 74-win regular season, they need to find a way to improve the roster and hopefully convince Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to stay in free agency.

The last and biggest name still on the starting pitching market is Corbin Burnes, the four-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner. The 30-year-old right-hander is projected by Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report to have a seven-year, $255 million contract.

FanSided’s Jacob Mountz predicted the Blue Jays would be successful in pursuing Burnes, saying the club “should easily be able to complete the deal” in the coming days.

“Corbin Burnes is the top pitcher on the market and one of the best in the league. He has finished in the top eight for the Cy Young Award every year since 2020 and will win the award in 2021,” Mountz said.

“The Blue Jays were reportedly already looking for Burnes even before Soto signed. This is a smart move for a team that is lacking good hurlers. With their Soto savings, the Blue Jays should easily be able to afford a new ace in Burnes.”

At a certain point, getting the superstar you’re looking for is a win, no matter the price. Fried’s deal with the Yankees has a high risk of him being overpaid, and Burnes will likely get even more.

But Toronto’s momentum is waning in the AL East, and signing Burnes might be the only way to get them back in the right direction.

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