Zach Pop is in a pivotal year as he hopes to solidify his spot on the Toronto Blue Jays' roster after fluctuating performances over the last two seasons. After a promising start following his trade from the Miami Marlins in 2022, where he posted a 1.89 ERA, he struggled with a 5.81 ERA in 2023-24. With no options left, he must perform this spring training to remain with the team. Both Manager John Schneider and pitching coach Pete Walker see potential in Pop, particularly with his new pitches, the cutter and sweeper.

Meanwhile, there's ongoing discussion about the World Baseball Classic, with Max Scherzer advocating for a schedule adjustment that would allow for greater participation without compromising player health. Furthermore, the Blue Jays are considering a six-man rotation for stretches of the season to manage workload, particularly during packed schedules. As they finalize their roster, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is also on the brink of a long-term contract negotiation ahead of the season.

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.

Several Major League Baseball players are poised for salary arbitration, with 29 players eligible after two to three years of service time. Notable names include Boston's Jarren Duran and Kutter Crawford, along with Seattle's George Kirby and Tampa Bay's Shane Baz.

The eligibility cutoff has been adjusted to 2 years and 132 days of service, impacting players like Washington's Michael Rucker and Atlanta's Angel Perdomo. The arbitration process will see proposed salaries exchanged on January 9, with hearings scheduled for late January to mid-February.

The Toronto Blue Jays underperformed in the 2024 season, finishing significantly below .500, yet their payroll for 2025 is expected to remain high. With a substantial roster cost of around $225 million last season, the team is projected to maintain a competitive payroll despite the disappointing performance.

President Mark Shapiro indicated that there won't be major changes to the payroll, which currently sits at about $175.67 million without certain players. The team aims to make key upgrades in several positions, including left field and third base, while also addressing their bullpen issues.