Japanese pitching sensation Rōki Sasaki is on the verge of making a significant decision as he narrows his choices to three Major League Baseball teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays. While both the Dodgers and Padres have been heavily involved in pursuing Sasaki, the Blue Jays are a surprising contender, having not engaged with him prior to the New Year.

With the opening of MLB's international signing period, Sasaki and his agent Joel Wolfe are expected to make a choice soon, although they may utilize the full posting window that closes on January 23. Financial considerations for Sasaki extend beyond contracts, as marketing opportunities in major markets are also crucial.

The Toronto Blue Jays have successfully avoided arbitration with their star slugger, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., securing a one-year contract worth $28.5 million. The announcement came on Thursday, alongside agreements for six other arbitration-eligible players, including notable names such as infielder Ernie Clement and catcher Alejandro Kirk.

Guerrero Jr., who played a pivotal role in the Blue Jays lineup, concluded a strong season with a batting average of .323, complemented by 30 home runs and 103 RBIs. This performance earned him a fourth All-Star selection and recognition as a Silver Slugger.

The Toronto Blue Jays have successfully avoided salary arbitration with outfielder Daulton Varsho, who is set to earn $8.2 million in 2025, a notable increase from his $5.65 million for the previous year. This contract figure surpasses the initial projection of $7.7 million, reflecting Varsho's value to the team.

In the 2023 season, Varsho recorded a .214 batting average with a .700 OPS over 136 games, contributing 18 home runs, 58 RBI, and 10 stolen bases. His defensive prowess earned him a Gold Glove award, showcasing his skills with 28 defensive runs saved.

Despite his achievements, a shoulder injury required Varsho to undergo surgery last September, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming Spring Training. Since joining the Blue Jays from the Arizona Diamondbacks before the 2023 season, Varsho has had a career batting average of .225 and has established himself as a key player.

The Blue Jays also reached agreements with other players, including starting pitcher Alek Manoah and reliever Erik Swanson, while awaiting arbitration decisions for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ernie Clement, and Alejandro Kirk.

Max Fried, a free agent pitcher, is expected to finalize his next team by Thursday. After spending eight seasons with the Atlanta Braves, he is now a hot commodity, with the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees emerging as the top contenders for his services.

Fried's impressive stats and accolades make him a sought-after player, especially after the recent signing frenzy in MLB. The Blue Jays, eager to bolster their rotation, see Fried as a potential ace to complement their existing starters.

Toronto Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins indicated that outfielder Daulton Varsho might not be ready for the start of the 2025 season due to a right rotator cuff injury that required surgery.

Despite Varsho's injury concerns, Atkins reassured fans that players like Bo Bichette and Will Wagner are on track for opening day. Varsho, a Gold Glove Award winner, excelled defensively in 2024, playing all three outfield positions with impressive stats.

While Varsho's batting average has struggled, he still managed to hit 38 home runs since joining the Jays. His defensive prowess could see him paired with George Springer in the outfield, depending on the team's pursuit of free agent Juan Soto.