The Toronto Blue Jays entered the 2026 offseason riding high from a thrilling World Series run in 2025, falling just short in a dramatic Game 7. Yet, despite aggressive moves to bolster the roster—including blockbuster signings of ace Dylan Cease, Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto, reliever Tyler Rogers, and promising arm Cody Ponce—team president Mark Shapiro isn’t satisfied.
With the sting of that near-miss still fresh and financial pressures mounting after heavy investments, Shapiro has reportedly drawn up a ruthless list of five players he believes must be moved to clear space, reset the clubhouse culture, and avoid repeating the “heartbreaking defeats” that plagued recent campaigns.
In a closed-door meeting leaked to multiple sources close to the organization, Shapiro delivered a blunt message: “I will clean everything.” He emphasized his vision for a team built around elite talent capable of sustained contention, refusing to tolerate mediocrity or lingering issues from the past. “I want to bring in the best players for my team; I don’t want us to suffer heartbreaking defeats like in 2026,” he allegedly stated, referring to the emotional toll of the postseason collapse despite strong regular-season play. The comments, confirmed by insiders, sent shockwaves through the fanbase and MLB circles alike.
The list of five players targeted for trade or release focuses on underperformers, high-salary veterans with declining production, and depth pieces blocking emerging talent. While the Blue Jays have added firepower upfront, Shapiro sees these moves as essential to optimize payroll flexibility, open everyday roles for prospects, and create room for potential blockbuster pursuits like Kyle Tucker or a re-signed Bo Bichette (whose free agency remains a top priority).
Here are the five players reportedly on Shapiro’s “harsh list”:
José Berríos (RHP) The longtime rotation anchor has been a staple since the 2021 trade from Minnesota, but inconsistencies in 2025—coupled with an opt-out clause looming—have made him expendable. Despite flashes of ace-level stuff, his ERA hovered above 4.00 in key stretches, and the front office views him as a valuable trade chip for infield help or young arms. Trading Berríos would free up significant salary while potentially yielding a strong return from contender-needy teams. George Springer (OF) The veteran outfielder’s massive contract (signed in 2021) has become a burden as age and injuries limited his impact.
Once a postseason hero, Springer’s power numbers dipped, and his defensive range waned. Shapiro’s push to “clean everything” targets high-earning veterans who no longer fit the win-now aggression. A trade to an AL contender seeking leadership could salvage value, though it might require the Jays to eat salary. Joey Loperfido (OF/1B) The young outfielder has shown promise but lacks a clear everyday path in Toronto’s crowded outfield. With additions like Okamoto shifting alignments and potential Tucker interest, Loperfido represents expendable depth.
Analysts have noted his blocked status, making him a prime candidate for a deal—possibly to Cleveland, given Shapiro’s ties there—for middle-infield reinforcements. Kevin Gausman (RHP) Another rotation mainstay, Gausman faces free agency after 2026, but his recent performance has raised questions about long-term fit. While still effective, the front office reportedly sees diminishing returns on his high-velocity stuff. Moving him now could net prospects or controllable talent before his value potentially drops further. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B) The final name stunned everyone—no one saw it coming.
The superstar slugger, fresh off a monster postseason and a massive extension, has been the face of the franchise. Yet whispers suggest internal frustrations over inconsistent effort in non-playoff moments, defensive lapses, and off-field distractions. Shapiro’s alleged inclusion of Guerrero sends the clearest signal: no one is untouchable if the team aims for perfection. Fans erupted online, with many calling it a bluff to light a fire under the star, while others fear a franchise-altering rift.
The revelation has ignited fierce debate among Blue Jays faithful. Social media exploded with reactions ranging from outrage (“Trading Vladdy? Are they insane?”) to cautious support (“If it means winning a ring, do it”). The move aligns with Shapiro’s history of bold resets—seen in past decisions to move on from Josh Donaldson and others—prioritizing long-term contention over sentiment.
Toronto’s front office, led by Shapiro and GM Ross Atkins, has already transformed the roster. Landing Cease provides frontline pitching dominance, Okamoto adds power from the right side, and bullpen additions like Rogers and Ponce address late-inning woes. Yet payroll constraints remain, with big commitments to Guerrero (if extended), Cease’s new deal, and others. Clearing these five would create flexibility for another splash—perhaps Tucker to pair with Guerrero in a fearsome lineup.
Shapiro’s extension through 2030 underscores ownership’s faith in his vision. The Blue Jays sit at baseball’s big-boy table, capable of outspending most rivals. But success demands ruthlessness. As one league executive noted anonymously, “Mark doesn’t mess around when he says ‘clean everything.’ This isn’t a rebuild—it’s a reload to go all-in.”
Whether the list leads to actual trades remains uncertain. Negotiations could shift based on spring training performances or market demand. For now, the bombshell has fans glued to every rumor, wondering if the team that came so close in 2025 will finally break through—or fracture under the pressure of its own ambition.
The 2026 season looms as pivotal. With the AL East stacked and expectations sky-high, Shapiro’s purge could be the spark that ignites a championship run—or the misstep that derails it. One thing is clear: in Toronto, nothing is sacred when the goal is winning it all.
