Who could’ve predicted that after being dead last in the American League East in 2024, the Toronto Blue Jays would push reigning champions, the LA Dodgers, practically to the brink for the championship title? However, despite their valiant heroics, they had a gut-wrenching loss in Game 7. And such a loss in professional sports means only one thing– a roster change.

As the team hopes to build upon its success from this year, Nick Gosse reveals five players who might not return to downtown Toronto.

1. Ty France

The Blue Jays traded for Ty France from the Minnesota Twins at the deadline buzzer this July. For GM Ross Atkins, his aggressive nature to go after his opponents was the most attractive feature. In fact, he was a key player when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was out with an injury, making his impact all the more evident.

In 37 games for Toronto, he hit .277 with a .693 OPS. When rosters were set for the Division Series, though, he was left off entirely, only to be added later for the World Series. The team clearly leaned more heavily on its core everyday players when constructing the postseason roster, highlighting how peripheral he was to Toronto’s October plans.

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Even though he’s useful, having France back doesn’t make a lot of strategic sense for 2026.

• The Blue Jays would want to give George Springer more time at the position next season.
• With Guerrero Jr. at first base and other infield flexibility already on the roster, France’s role would likely remain limited.
• Investing in him long-term would compete with younger or more versatile targets.

As the Blue Jays attempt to chase a title, they are unlikely to settle for a ‘good enough’ bench piece. This season proved that they can win with high-end talent, so retaining France, while safe, may not advance their ambition. Improving every role, even backups, is now a priority for a franchise aiming for higher goals.

2. Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Atkins brought Isiah Kiner-Falefa as a waiver claim from the Pittsburgh Pirates, as he was probably the lone bright spot in their rather disappointing 2024 campaign. With his veteran experience and flexibility to play strong defense at multiple positions in the infield and outfield, IKF was believed to be a valuable bench piece.

But he had a tough run with the Blue Jays in 2025. All he could deliver was a couple of key hits with just .262 with an OPS of .631 over 431 at-bats.

Despite being claimed in August, he never secured a regular spot and was used sparingly down the stretch. He struggled when it mattered most, managing a .167 average and .427 OPS in his 30 postseason plate appearances.

After the World Series, his baserunning blunder in Game 7, when he took a very conservative lead at third and got thrown out at home, is not something the Blue Jays fans will forget easily. Former bench coach Don Mattingly called the play out, saying everyone, including coaches, screwed up.

3. Seranthony Dominguez

The Blue Jays acquired Seranthony Domínguez at the 2025 trade deadline doubleheader, adding a hard-throwing veteran arm to bolster their late-inning bullpen. He was expected to bring stability, especially in high-leverage situations, as the Jays chased a deep October run. His addition signaled a real intent to upgrade the bullpen down the stretch.

In his time with Toronto, Domínguez appeared in 24 games and posted a 3.00 ERA over 21.0 innings, striking out 25. He delivered in October, too, working 3.1 scoreless innings and helping in key spots during the postseason. Despite his value, his unreliability outweighs his proven skillset.

When he’s on his game, he’s the best in the business. We have all seen it. But when not, his repeated troubling command issues force him to surrender a high number of detrimental walks. He had 25 walks through those regular-season innings, according to his game log. Additionally, he had 11 walks issued over just 11 1/3 total innings during the postseason.

That command issue surfaced visibly in a blown outing, where he failed to record an out and allowed five runs.

With Domínguez headed to free agency, the Blue Jays face a crowded market of available relievers this offseason, including names like Robert Suárez and Raisel Iglesias. Toronto may explore a different arm that offers more control and similar high-leverage ability.

4. Max Scherzer

Max Scherzer’s 2025 season for the Blue Jays began with promise: he made 17 starts, pitched 85 innings, and went 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA. However, his performance faded late as lingering thumb issues and a back spasm altered his mechanics and effectiveness. Despite that, he rebounded in the postseason, delivering three starts and posting a 3.77 ERA across 14.1 innings. That October boost reminded fans how dangerous he still can be on the biggest stage.

That one-year deal he signed was always a gamble given his age and health concerns at 41. He admitted he nearly retired in the spring because of perennial right-thumb inflammation that had plagued him for years.

After his September struggles, some executives remain cautious, projecting he may only give 20 quality starts even at mid-3.00 ERA. The risk of declining velocity or injury makes his return far from guaranteed.

Looking forward, the Blue Jays likely need more dependable, season-long pitching rather than a short-burst veteran. They already have young righty Trey Yesavage, while other arms such as Dylan Cease and Ranger Suárez are reportedly available in free agency. Relying on a 41-year-old Scherzer for rotation depth may compromise consistency over a full campaign. With those options, a reunion with Scherzer appears increasingly improbable.

5. Chris Bassitt

Chris Bassitt delivered a highly dependable season for the Blue Jays in 2025, making 31 starts and posting a 3.96 ERA while striking out 166 batters over 170.1 innings. His consistency carried into October, as he shifted to a relief role in the postseason and posted a sparkling 1.04 ERA in his appearances. That veteran presence and versatility gave Toronto a steady backbone through one of their most emotional playoff runs. Undoubtedly, his leadership and reliability were felt when it mattered most.

Still, they do not guarantee a return for Bassitt.

He is now a free agent. With rotation depth looming, the Blue Jays are reportedly eyeing starters like Dylan Cease and Framber Valdez to fill future roles. While the market seems rich, no one would be surprised if Toronto re-signs him, given his past performance and connection with the team. His previous contract worth $63 million over three years, and consistent output strengthens that case.

Bassitt himself has made it clear he hopes to return to the Blue Jays.

After the heartbreaking Game 7 loss, he said through tears he wants “another chance with this group.” The only barrier may be financial — both sides must agree on a deal that reflects his value and age. The front office will need to decide whether to invest in a steady veteran or pursue younger, higher-upside arms.

The Toronto Blue Jays now face an offseason demanding sharper choices after their emotional World Series run. Let that reality settle while the front office weighs futures for Bassitt, France, Kiner-Falefa, and more. Only decisive moves will keep Toronto competitive, but sentimentality will not save struggling veterans.