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Toronto Blue Jays Free Agency: Eight Players Officially Hitting Free Agency
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- Toronto Blue Jays Free Agency: Eight Players Officially Hitting Free Agency
(Jamie LeBlanc-Imagn Images)
On Wednesday night, the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5 to win the 2026 World Series. For the Brewers, it was their first World Series title in franchise history.
It was also the first trip to the World Series for Milwaukee since 1982.
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And while the end of a baseball season is always disappointing, the baseball deficit doesn't last long. With the World Series now over, the offseason is officially on the verge of fully starting for all teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays .
Here's what you need to know.
Step 1: Eight players head to free agency
On Thursday, the day after the World Series, the Blue Jays will officially see eight players exit the organization.
Those eight players are George Springer, Luis Urias, Max Scherzer, Patrick Corbin, Paul Sewald, Yimi Garcia, Shane Bieber and Jameson Taillon.
Of those eight, Bieber is likely the most expensive should they want to retain him.
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Step 2: Exclusive negotiating period
The Blue Jays will have a five-day period, beginning Thursday, to exclusively negotiate with these free agents.
It's unlikely that anything will happen in these five days. The Blue Jays are still formulating their offseason plans, and players often like to head to free agency to see what kind of interest they can generate on the open market.
In cases like Springer and Scherzer, they have to decide if they even want to play in 2027, as retirement is an option.
Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) reacts after striking out during the fourth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Jamie LeBlanc-Imagn Images
Step 3: Five days after the World Series
While the Blue Jays can negotiate with their own free agents right now, free agency doesn't start in full until Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. ET. That's when the Blue Jays can talk with every free agent and start negotiating deals.
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Step 4: The giant black cloud
As we've said 10,000 times already and will say 10,000 more: The looming MLB lockout changes everything. Will teams be aggressive in the month between free agency starting and the lockout taking hold? It remains to be seen. Will players be aggressive in taking deals given the uncertain financial climate? That also remains to be seen.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement runs out on Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Step 5: What about trades?
While free agency requires a five-day period to start, trades can happen now. On that front, the business of baseball is underway and the offseason has begun.
