The Toronto Blue Jays are entering an offseason filled with questions after a disappointing 2026 campaign and roster changes will be coming.

Beyond any potential upgrades that the front office could be looking to make this winter, the team has a number of veterans on expiring contracts who will explore free agency, with general manager Ross Atkins free to deploy their former salaries elsewhere.

“Atkins should have the payroll flexibility to potentially add a big bat and some pitching depth,” the Canadian Press noted after his end-of-season press conference . “The Blue Jays had a payroll of about US$275 million this year and currently have about $195 million on the books for next season.”

That roster uncertainty extends to several veterans, including free agents George Springer, Max Scherzer, Paul Sewald and Shane Bieber. And it will also include veteran infielder Myles Straw, who has two $8 million club options ahead on the $25 million deal he signed with the Cleveland Guardians in 2022.

Toronto Blue Jays Veteran Sends 5-Word Message To Front Office With Contract Move Looming

The Blue Jays’ $8 million option on Straw’s contract for 2027 includes a $1.75 million buyout, making the decision a relatively straightforward financial calculation for the club.

“As part of the deal that brought him north, the Cleveland Guardians will send over the buyout amount whether the option is exercised or not, so it’s a $6.25-million call, one the outfielder hopes keeps him in Toronto,” Shi Davidi noted for Sportsnet .

And for his part, Straw’s message about the situation to Toronto’s decision-makers in the front office was direct.

“I’d love to be back,” he said, per Davidi. “All of us that are going to be leaving feel the same way. But I get it, it’s a business, I’ve been through a lot in this game. They’re going to do whatever they’ve got to do, which I understand. We’ll see.”

Toronto Blue Jays Face Contract Decision On $25 Million Outfielder

The decision could depend heavily on how Toronto views its outfield going forward. The Blue Jays have young players such as Brett Bateman emerging, while Springer seems on the way out and Anthony Santander is frequently injured.

That leaves Straw waiting on an organization he clearly wants to remain with.

For Toronto, however, the question is whether his defensive value and familiarity with the clubhouse justify the cost of retaining him when the front office has an opportunity to redirect resources elsewhere.