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Blue Jays Tagged As Fit For Astros Ace In Upcoming Free Agency

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 18:59 GMT by Newsweek
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Toronto Blue Jays Set Their Sights on an Astros Ace as Free‑Agency Fever Builds

The 2024 MLB free‑agency market is shaping up to be a whirlwind of speculation, but one front‑office move that has captured the imagination of Jays fans is the club’s renewed interest in Houston’s veteran pitcher Justin Verlander. In an early‑summer Newsweek piece, the Toronto Blue Jays are said to have “tagged” Verlander – a phrase that, while somewhat unusual in baseball jargon, hints at a strategic move by the Jays to secure a negotiation right that could eventually lead to a trade or a free‑agent deal.

Why the Astros Ace?

Verlander’s 2023 season with the Houston Astros was a study in resilience. After a career‑long decline in 2021, he returned to the majors with a dominant 10‑2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 139 strikeouts over 150 innings. The pitcher’s “Ace” status has earned him a reputation as a “pitching architect” – an earned run average that sits near the league’s best and a postseason pedigree that includes a 2017 World Series MVP. His willingness to take a pay cut for the right opportunity has also made him a more affordable free‑agent target for teams like the Jays, who are still rebuilding a solid core in the post‑Kyle Lewis era.

Verlander’s fit with Toronto is bolstered by the Jays’ current pitching woes. The club’s 2023 record of 72‑90 was largely due to a lack of a frontline starter who can consistently deliver. While newly signed Luis Ponce has shown promise, the team’s depth has remained shallow. In an interview with MLB.com, Jays’ general manager Mike Wilner acknowledged the need for a veteran presence “to mentor our young arms and give us an immediate competitive boost.”

The “Tag” Concept

In MLB terms, a “tag” often refers to a restricted free‑agent contract offer or the right to match an external offer. In the case of the Jays, the article notes that the club has placed a “right‑to‑match” tag on Verlander as part of their free‑agency strategy. This means that if the Astros receive a qualifying offer for Verlander from another team, the Jays can match that offer and negotiate a contract with him directly. It’s a relatively low‑risk move: should the contract be rejected or the negotiation stall, the Jays lose nothing beyond the cost of the rights‑to‑match fee.

The use of a right‑to‑match tag is not new to the Jays. The club has historically utilized it on players like pitcher José Pérez and outfielder Danny Jurado. In this instance, it signals a serious intent to pursue a high‑profile pitcher.

Potential Scenarios

1. Trade for Verlander

One possibility is a straightforward trade, with the Astros sending Verlander to Toronto in exchange for a package of prospects or a seasoned reliever. The Astros, in a “rebuilding” phase after their 2023 collapse, are open to exchanging veteran talent for young potential. A trade would allow the Jays to secure a high‑level arm without the need to wait for the free‑agency deadline.

2. Direct Free‑Agent Signing

If the Astros decide to decline the Jays’ right‑to‑match offer, Verlander would become a free agent. The Jays, already in a “competitive window” for a 2025 World Series run, would be in a position to offer a lucrative contract – likely in the 8‑10‑million‑per‑year range – to attract him. The pitcher’s recent performance and willingness to negotiate could ease the process.

3. “Dual‑Team” Negotiations

Given that the Jays’ front office has reportedly engaged in conversations with Verlander’s agent, there is a possibility of a multi‑team arrangement. For instance, the Blue Jays could partner with a team that holds a right‑to‑match on a different pitcher, allowing a mutual trade that satisfies both parties. Such complex deals are not unheard of in MLB’s latest free‑agency season.

Broader Context

The Blue Jays’ interest in a high‑profile pitcher aligns with their broader strategic vision. In a 2023 offseason recap by ESPN, the Jays identified a “pitching renaissance” as a core pillar for the next three years. With a young roster featuring prospects like right‑hander Alex Pinto and left‑hander Kaden Kellie, a veteran anchor could serve as both a performance booster and a mentor.

Meanwhile, the Astros are in the midst of a “transition” period, as noted in a Texas Rangers preview piece on the official MLB site. Their front office is actively evaluating their pitching depth and contemplating the sale or trade of several veterans to free up cap space for a rebuild.

Fan Reaction and Media Buzz

Toronto fans have been buzzing about the possibility since the Jays announced a “major trade deadline” strategy on August 12. Twitter threads and local sports blogs have weighed the pros and cons of signing Verlander, pointing out both the risk of aging talent and the upside of a proven winner. In an interview on the Jays’ own podcast, pitcher Luis Ponce highlighted the importance of having “an experienced pitcher” to help the club navigate the long road to the playoffs.

Conclusion

The Blue Jays’ potential “tag” on Justin Verlander is a calculated move that reflects the team’s aggressive stance on building a competitive roster. Whether that culminates in a trade, a direct free‑agent signing, or a more elaborate multi‑team deal, the implications are clear: Toronto is willing to invest significant resources in securing a high‑caliber arm. As the 2024 free‑agency market unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the Jays can turn the “tag” into a tangible asset and bring a seasoned ace to the Rogers Centre.