The Toronto Blue Jays came within a whisker of a World Series title last season. Their dream unraveled in Game 7 when the bullpen—especially closer Jeff Hoffman—collapsed at the worst possible moment.
After a major rotation upgrade, the franchise is now zeroing in on the bullpen. Former Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks has become a top target as Toronto searches for a steady, high-leverage arm.
Blue Jays’ World Series Heartbreak Highlights Bullpen Problem
The 2024 postseason exposed a flaw that simmered all year: the Blue Jays just couldn’t lock down late innings against top lineups. The offense did its part, the rotation held steady, but the bullpen’s inconsistency doomed them in October.
Game 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers became the turning point. Hoffman blew a crucial save, swinging the series—and the championship—out of Toronto’s reach.
The front office had invested heavily to build a contender, so that meltdown stung. It sent a clear message for the offseason: the bullpen needed a serious upgrade, and the closer role needed fixing—fast.
Hoffman’s Role Under the Microscope
Hoffman still has closer-level stuff, but his Game 7 stumble forced the organization to rethink his role. The Jays appreciate his power arsenal, though they seem more at ease picturing him in a late-inning committee or as a flexible multi-inning weapon.
Louis Varland is currently penciled in as a setup man. Still, the team faces a glaring hole: replacing the impact and leverage left by Seranthony Dominguez, who used to be a key late-inning piece.
After Locking Up Dylan Cease, Relief Help Becomes Priority
The offseason began with a bold move: signing free agent starter Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract. That deal signaled the organization’s belief that their championship window is wide open.
Once Cease joined, the front office shifted quickly to the bullpen market, hunting for high-leverage relievers who can shorten games in October.
Misses on Helsley, Iglesias, and Maton
The Blue Jays cast a wide net early in free agency but struck out on several top relief targets:
Missing out on that trio hasn’t slowed the club’s urgency. If anything, it’s sharpened their focus on an arm they know all too well from the AL East.
Pete Fairbanks: A Familiar Foe Becomes a Prime Target
Pete Fairbanks isn’t just some hypothetical fix for Toronto. He’s been a real headache for Blue Jays hitters and managers for years as Tampa Bay’s closer.
In 2024, Fairbanks showed the exact profile Toronto craves in a late-inning arm: a power righty with swing-and-miss stuff and the guts to handle high-stress moments.
Fairbanks by the Numbers
Last season, Fairbanks put up:
Against the Blue Jays, he’s been even tougher. Over 27 career innings facing Toronto, he’s held their lineup to a tiny .130 batting average. For the Jays’ front office, that’s more than just a stat—it’s proof his stuff works in the AL East and against playoff-caliber hitters.
Why Fairbanks Fits Toronto’s Bullpen Blueprint
Toronto needs more than just another arm; they need a clear late-inning structure that inspires confidence when the pressure mounts. Fairbanks checks those boxes and then some.
With Fairbanks, the Jays could:
Other Options: Diaz, Williams, Suarez Still on the Board
Fairbanks isn’t the only option out there. The market still has established closers like:
All three could help Toronto. But Fairbanks brings AL East experience, proven success against the Jays’ rivals, and recent closing chops that make him a particularly intriguing fit.
What’s Next for the Blue Jays’ Offseason Plan?
Now that Dylan Cease anchors the rotation, the Blue Jays have a real shot. The lineup has already shown it can handle October pressure.
The bullpen is the final piece. Their near-miss in the World Series has stirred up a long-overdue sense of urgency.
If they land Pete Fairbanks or another top closer, they’ll make a statement. Last year’s heartbreak wasn’t the end. Maybe it was just the start.
For a team that came so close to a championship, the difference could be one arm in the ninth inning. Who’s standing on the mound when it matters most? That’s what might separate devastation from a wild celebration this October.
Here is the source article for this story: Blue Jays ‘Interested’ In Stealing Rival Closer After $210 Million Move: Insiders
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