The Toronto Blue Jays entered their offseason earlier than they were hoping, and now face a roster that could look considerably different after a disappointing campaign.

In a recent end-of-season media session, the front office acknowledging that more than minor adjustments may be necessary.

“This offseason will bring all of the usual tinkering, likely by adding a starter or two, or perhaps some depth in the bullpen,” Keegan Matheson noted for MLB.com . “But it feels like something more substantial is needed to fix the Blue Jays’ offense, something that changes the DNA of this group and points them in a different direction.”

As general manager Ross Atkins evaluates his winter options for an overhaul, the team has already seen one accomplished veteran opt to leave the organization.

Toronto Blue Jays’ 9-Year MLB Veteran Leaves Organization After Short Stint

On Monday, veteran reliever and former All-Star Joe Mantiply officially cut ties with the Blue Jays and returned to free agency, according to the official transaction log .

Mantiply joined the Blue Jays on a minor league contract during spring training and opened the season with the organization before earning a major league opportunity. He was effective early, but a significant injury ultimately disrupted his season.

“Mantiply closed the 2025 campaign in the Blue Jays organization after getting cut by the (Arizona) Diamondbacks midway through last season,” Charlie Wright wrote for MLB Trade Rumors . “He entered free agency over the winter but re-signed with Toronto on a minor league deal. Mantiply debuted with the club in early April. He carried a strong 2.04 ERA into mid-May, but went down with a knee injury. Mantiply eventually needed arthroscopic surgery to address the issue.”

The 35-year-old left-hander returned in September but was designated for assignment late in the month. After clearing waivers, decided to return to free agency.

Mantiply finished his Toronto tenure with a 3.00 ERA and 22 strikeouts over 27 innings in 25 appearances this season.

Toronto Blue Jays Kick Off Offseason Overhaul With Loss Of Former All-Star

Mantiply’s departure is relatively minor compared with the larger questions facing Toronto. The Blue Jays finished 79-83 and last in the American League East, while their offense ranked last in the majors in both home runs and runs scored.

Still, Mantiply’s decision could lead him to join a new team after he showed that there’s some gas left in the tank with the Blue Jays. His previous success with Arizona, including an All-Star selection in 2022, gives him an established major league track record despite his uneven 2026 campaign.

Toronto now has to determine which pieces can help change the team’s direction. Mantiply is one of the first veterans to move on, but he is unlikely to be the last as the Blue Jays attempt to build a roster capable of returning to postseason contention.