If anyone thought that the Toronto Blue Jays would shrink after that gut-punch Game 7 loss of the World Series, you clearly have not been paying attention. Because the Jays are moving like a team that tasted the brink of glory and decided–nope, we’re going there right back. And their off-season moves are telling.

The Dylan Cease signing of seven years and $210 million wasn’t just a splash; it was a statement that the team is not retreating. But that was not all. They also got Cody Ponce, the 6-foot-6 right-hander, coming off an MVP season in Korea.

And what better welcome for them than a statement from a team member that gives them a snapshot of what “mindset” to expect in the clubhouse. At a Make-A-Wish event in Toronto, George Springer, talking about the exciting new additions to the team, simply lit up. His message to Cease and Ponce was simple: you didn’t sign with a talented team; you joined a special one. 

“Our team was special and is special to me,” Springer said. “There’s a lot that goes into playing this game. For guys to want to come here and to want to sign up for as long as they have, it means a lot to us and shows who they are as well.”

That was not just praise; it was also a subtle challenge. A promise that Cease and Ponce are stepping into a clubhouse that’s built on that relentlessness to finish what they started. Well, that confidence is something earned, because the Toronto Blue Jays have quietly assembled one of baseball’s deepest rotations.

With Cease, Gausman, Yesavage, Berríos, and now Ponce, with Eric Lauer essentially in the seventh slot. That’s not depth — that’s a major arsenal. Moreover, Springer also added that waking up to the Cease news was “exciting” and how meaningful it is to see all these top players choosing Toronto, even after that heartbreak.

Now, Springer’s message seems mostly for Cease, given his seven-year commitment to the team. But his message could also be a pitch essentially to all the free agents who could be on the fence about joining the Jays. Cue in Kyle Tucker!

Blue Jays turn up the heat: Kyle Tucker visits Florida facility

On Wednesday, the Blue Jays’ run on Kyle Tucker got a lot more serious. The superstar outfielder was spotted visiting Toronto’s training facility in Dunedin, Fla. Well, if this is not a sign, then what is? The other teams would definitely be wearing their Sherlock hats on. Because Toronto is not here to play small anymore.

The 28-year-old has been the most coveted free agent on the market. Since he was drafted as the No. 5 overall pick by the Astros in 2015, he has been an impact player. Then he moved to the Chicago Cubs last season, and he kept his momentum going, even though he faced a mid-season hand injury. By the end of the season, he had clinched 22 home runs, 25 steals, and a .377 on-base percentage.

But the kicker is that when it comes to Kyle Tucker, the decision could hinge on more than just numbers. After missing out on Ohtani and Soto in the past, the Jays might lean on the special nature of the clubhouse, the chemistry, and the chance to compete immediately. And this makes the entire “aggressiveness” of the team lately make sense.

They also need to sign another big name–Bo Bichette. He is a top priority for the team and is fresh off a career year. Not to mention, he is a fan favourite and also someone who wants to remain a Jay. If Toronto, moreover, wants to attract big names like Tucker, they needs names like Bichette in its roster.

If Tucker chooses Toronto over top suitors like the Yankees or Dodgers, it would be a huge statement for the team. It’s a clear sign that this is not the team that’s rebuilding but a team that’s ready to win it all.