The 2025 Toronto Blue Jays were a bold predictor’s dream. They improved by 20 wins, went to the World Series and nearly toppled MLB’s behemoth. Maybe they defy odds again? So, ahead of 2026 Opening Day, here are three bold Blue Jays predictions for the reigning American League champions.

Andrés Giménez puts up the best shortstop season in franchise history, by fWAR

Giménez hasn’t been a full-time shortstop since 2019, when he was a New York Mets prospect. He started just 84 big-league games at the position across six seasons. Yet, the lefty could put up the most valuable shortstop season in Blue Jays history this year.

The mark to beat is 4.9 FanGraphs WAR, posted by Bo Bichette in 2021 and Tony Fernández in 1990. Giménez has bested that mark once in his career, with 6.1 WAR as a second baseman in 2022. The 27-year-old Venezuelan’s WAR should benefit from a position change, as shortstop WAR is adjusted higher due to the position’s value, as long as he remains an elite defender. Giménez should also provide more on the bases in 2026 after lower-body injuries cost him 61 games and held him to just 12 stolen bases last year. He posted exactly 30 stolen bases in 2023 and 2024.

But if Giménez is going to put up 5.0 WAR, he’ll need to rediscover his hitting. The infielder’s OPS dropped significantly in each of the past three years. The Jays hope he can become a league-average hitter again, which could be all Giménez needs for a shot at this Blue Jays record. The Cubs’ Dansby Swanson, in 2023, posted 4.8 WAR with a 105 wRC+ and elite defence. That’s the path for Giménez, too.

The Blue Jays won’t have a 30-homer hitter

The Jays have had at least one 30-homer hitter in five of the last six full seasons, except for 2023. George Springer led the squad last year with 32 dingers. Even with a potential World Series contender, that trend could change.

FanGraphs’ Steamer projects just one Jay (Vladimir Guerrero Jr.) to hit over 30 homers, so maybe this isn’t that bold of a prediction. The Jays have a few players who could hit 30 homers in Springer, Guerrero, Addison Barger, Daulton Varsho or even Kazuma Okamoto. Toronto’s power lies more in line drives and hard-hit doubles. The Blue Jays ranked third in MLB last year for line-drive rate. It didn’t hold the offence back in 2025, and probably won’t this year, but it simply doesn’t lead to copious deep drives.

Jays trade for Bryan Abreu at the trade deadline

Toronto will roster some intriguing options in the bullpen, but the group lacks big fastballs and significant swing-and-miss. Houston Astros reliever Bryan Abreu brings both. His four-seam fastball was one of the most valuable among qualified relievers last year, and his 2025 whiff rate (41.2 percent) ranked sixth in baseball, behind guys like Edwin Díaz and Mason Miller.

If the Jays need a high-leverage arm at the trade deadline (and what competitive team doesn’t?) Abreu, a pending free agent, may be the top option on the market. After sniffing around the top relievers at last year’s deadline, the Jays could make the bullpen splash this summer.

Some bonus bold predictions
Louis Varland starts five games for the Jays
Max Scherzer surpasses 150 innings pitched, finishing second on the Jays in innings
Anthony Santander hits over five homers
Every American League East team finishes over .500